Cotswold Catalyst Programme
1 day ago – Be among the first 25 applicants. Are you ready to take your business to the next level? Think you have what it takes?
Cotswold Catalyst, our incubator programme for Cotswold start‑ups, returns for a second year at the Royal Agricultural University.
The Programme, funded by Cotswold District Council, offers an outstanding opportunity for high‑potential start‑ups in the Cotswolds to scale and grow.
Those selected for the Programme, which will start in January 2026, will receive a six‑month fully‑funded bespoke plan, with workshops tailored to their needs, delivered by business expert Gill Smith of The Business Kitchen.
Those successful will also receive a dedicated co‑working desk at the Alliston Centre, our business hub on the RAU campus, for the length of the programme. This will provide individuals with an opportunity to embed themselves into the thriving, local business community at the Alliston Centre, creating networking opportunities and enabling further ideation.
Applications close on Monday 12 January 2026 at 5.00pm.
Why apply to the Cotswold Catalyst?
* Tailored business growth support You will participate in a 6‑month fully‑funded bespoke plan of business workshops and 1‑2‑1 sessions tailored to your scale‑up needs, delivered by business expert Gill Smith.
* Professional business workspace included A dedicated co‑working desk at the Alliston Centre (valued at over £1,800) provides you with a productive, professional base to work, meet clients and collaborate.
* Immersion in a thriving business community Be a part of an active, thriving business community, fostering ideation and networking, at the Alliston Centre.
* Exclusive incubator experience With only six places available, the Programme offers a highly personalised, high‑impact experience with close support and networking opportunities.
* Investment readiness and exposure The Programme concludes with Pitch Day, giving you a chance to test your investment readiness and showcase your scale‑up journey.
* Expanded local network You will have the opportunity to connect with local entrepreneurs, policymakers and academic partners as well as thought leaders in the innovation and grant funding space, opening doors to collaborations, partnerships and new opportunities.
When does the Programme start?
Cotswold Catalyst will start on Wednesday 28 January 2026 and will last for 6 months.
How is the Programme delivered?
The Programme will take place in person at the Alliston Centre, our business hub on the RAU campus and home to The Growth Hub Cirencester and Farm491.
Group workshops and 1‑2‑1 sessions will be delivered monthly (4 hours per month) by business expert Gill Smith, co‑founder of The Business Kitchen. You are expected to work beyond the delivered workshops to reach your scale‑up goals.
Your dedicated co‑working desk will also be located in the Alliston Centre – a supportive business hub environment.
Who should apply?
We are looking for businesses that have a high potential to grow by creating jobs and contributing to the Cotswolds economy, showcasing it as a great place to start a business.
You must also have:
* Passion Founder or owner passion is crucial. We are looking more at what you want to achieve than where you are right now.
* Ambition You need a good understanding of where you want to take the business in the next few years and why.
* Commitment You will need to be able to commit to a 6‑month Programme and possess a willingness to learn, take action and deliver.
Why 6‑months, not the traditional 10‑weeks?
We understand you are busy building your business, and 10‑weeks of intensive commitment can be hard to keep up with, so we want to give you the guidance and the freedom to flourish. Traditional catalysts are 10‑weeks, but we want to be there for the development and implementation of your learnings, so you have the best chance of tangible outcomes.
What is the application process?
* Apply via our online application form on ur.ac.uk/for‑business/cotswoldcatalyst by Monday 12 January 2026 at 5.00 pm
* Based on your application, we may shortlist you for our Catalyst Insight Day on Wednesday 14 January 2026, which will give you a chance to meet the team and showcase your business.>
* We will then select our final cohort, which will start the Programme on Wednesday 28 January 2026.
If you have any further queries, ahead of applying, please email karl.collett@rau.ac.uk.
Go to https://www.rau.ac.uk/for‑business/cotswoldcatalyst for more info and application links.
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