British bank NatWest will take on up to 2,500 entrepreneurs in its accelerator programme this September, the largest number in the scheme’s history.

The accelerator scheme enables entrepreneurs to grow and scale their business by providing a range of support including coaching, events and networking. It is free for participating businesses and entrepreneurs do not need to give up any equity in their business to take part.

NatWest operates 13 physical and one digital accelerator hub spread across the UK in cities including Belfast, Birmingham, Bristol and Cardiff.

The company claims it is the biggest bank for start-ups in the UK, banking around one in five businesses under two years old. The accelerator programme has supported thousands of entrepreneurs to grow their businesses, such as social fitness app GoJoe

Darren Pirie, head of the NatWest Accelerator, said that the UK is has some of the world’s most innovative start-ups, but it could be better at supporting ambitious business to grow.

“As Britain’s biggest bank for start-ups, we understand that helping businesses succeed, not just through traditional lending but with full wraparound support, is crucial if we want a strong economy,” he added. “And that’s exactly what we do – in our accelerator hubs, we’ve seen a whole host of businesses secure investment, grow their teams and move into other markets.”

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