StepUp is part of Ready, Steady, Grow, our project part-funded by the European Regional Development Fund
Are you ready to step up with your business?
StepUp is a 3-day programme, delivered online, designed for founders who want to take their businesses to scale.
The programme includes a series of workshops and networking opportunities to help founders develop the skills and knowledge they need in order to take their businesses to the next level.
We have designed StepUp to focus on the areas of business which we know founders will get the most value from: branding, sales, funding and investment.
Over the course of the 3 days (5-7 hours per day), participants will hear from a host of expert speakers and founders who have successfully scaled their startups.
StepUp has enabled us to see the bigger picture and realise our growth potential. We are really excited for the year ahead.
Katie Arnott and Frances Cookson, co-founders of Rewritten
Programme Outline
Day 1 – Branding
Learn how to develop a strong brand strategy, create an impactful identity for your brand and what the smartest way is to amplify your brand efficiently and effectively.
Day 2 – Sales
Learn how to build a sales strategy, sales techniques and how to negotiate.
Day 3 – Funding & Investment
Learn about the variety of funding options available and what stage you should be at to pursue each opportunity. Find out what investors are looking for, how to craft a killer narrative around your proposal to grab their attention.
We learnt about marketing, branding, PR, and manufacturing, and we heard from some amazing entrepreneurs who have already been through it all. It was amazing to see how they had got to where they are now.
Kyle Frank, founder of Frank's Remedies
The next StepUp programme will take place on 25th -27th April 2023. To apply for your place, please click the link below to complete the form.
We expect demand for places to be high, so please submit your application before the deadline, which is noon on 18th April 2023. Any applications received after this date will be considered for the next round of the programme running from 23rd-25th May 2023.
This programme will run again in 2023, so startups that miss out for the March 2023 programme, could well be selected to attend a future round.
Good Luck!
APPLY FOR STEPUP MARCH 2023
Frequently Asked Questions
How often does the programme take place and how do I find out when the next window opens for applications?
How often does the programme take place and how do I find out when the next window opens for applications?
The StepUp programme will take place throughout 2022. Keep an eye on this page to find out when the next window opens, or make sure you sign up to receive the Virgin StartUp email newsletter and follow us on Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn and Facebook, as we publish each call for applications through these channels.
Where does the programme take place?
Where does the programme take place?
The programme will be delivered digitally via Zoom and details will be shared with the startups selected to attend.
How long is the programme?
How long is the programme?
The programme is three days in length.
How many hours per day?
How many hours per day?
The programme will last 5 to 7 hours per day with scheduled breaks.
Do I need to register to attend?
Do I need to register to attend?
Yes. Attendance is by invitation only.
In order to attend, you must apply for a place using the form above and be selected by the Virgin StartUp team. We select a group of participants that we feel will most benefit from the experience and that meet the eligibility and selection criteria outlined below.
Do I need to have received a Virgin Start Up Loan in order to attend?
Do I need to have received a Virgin Start Up Loan in order to attend?
No! We welcome any entrepreneur on to the programme that meets our eligibility & selection criteria, but receiving a Start Up Loan from Virgin StartUp is not one of them.
Do I need to meet any eligibility criteria in order to attend?
Do I need to meet any eligibility criteria in order to attend?
Yes. Attendance is by invitation only.
In order to be eligible to participate in the StepUp programme, your business must be based in Greater London and you must be over the age of 18.
We also select participants to attend based on the stage they have reached with their startup.
This programme is for startups looking to scale. That means that participants typically:
- have launched their product/service
- are generating revenue
We review each application carefully and select a group of startups that, we feel, are at a similar stage in their development. This allows us to ensure that the content delivered throughout the programme is relevant and targeted. It also ensures that participants get the most out of the interaction with their peers.
My business is not based in London, can I still apply?
My business is not based in London, can I still apply?
Unfortunately not. The programme is currently only available for startups based in Greater London. Please see our eligibility criteria above.
How much does it cost to participate in the programme?
How much does it cost to participate in the programme?
Nothing! The StepUp programme is free to attend for all startups selected to join.
Can I bring my business partner or a friend?
Can I bring my business partner or a friend?
Places on the programme are strictly limited. Therefore we are unable to offer a place for business partners or friends.