New incubator programme for Cotswold start-ups launches at the Royal Agricultural University

17 April 2025

The Growth Hub Cirencester, the business hub situated in the grounds of the Royal Agricultural University, has launched a new incubator programme, Cotswold Catalyst, for Cotswold start-ups.

The programme, funded by Cotswold District Council, offers an outstanding opportunity for high potential start-ups in the Cotswolds to take their business to the next level, preparing them to scale and grow.

Those selected for the programme, which will start in May 2025, will receive a six-month fully-funded bespoke plan with workshops tailored to their needs. As part of this, they will gain unique access thought leaders across several areas of business, including innovation and funding, as well as hone their offering or pitch with expert advice.

Those successful will also receive a dedicated co-working desk at the Hub for the length of the programme. This will provide individuals with opportunity to embed themselves into the thriving, local business community at the Hub, creating networking opportunities and enabling further ideation.

Karl Collett, Business Navigator at The Growth Hub Cirencester, comments "We are delighted that Cotswold District Council are funding our Cotswold Catalyst Incubator Programme at the Royal Agricultural University.

"We understand that starting a business is hard but that scaling it is even harder, so we are thrilled that The Growth Hub Cirencester is able to provide additional support to businesses in the Cotswolds; this means we can help more businesses grow and thrive."

Indeed, since 2018 The Growth Hub Cirencester has supported over 600 Gloucestershire businesses to launch, grow and scale, whether this be through its fully funded business support, knowledge exchange workshops and mentorship.

The Growth Hub Cirencester invites high potential Cotswold start-ups, eager to create jobs and contribute further to the Cotswolds economy, and crucially with the mindset, passion and commitment to scale, to apply by 21 April 2025 via its application form.

To find out more about The Growth Hub Cirencester, visit its webpage here.

The Growth Hub Cirencester provides fully funded business support, including green consultancy, and free knowledge exchange events and workshops to pre-start-ups, start-ups, sole traders and small to medium size businesses in the Cotswolds, as well as offer co-working, meeting room and office hire.