Growth Forge 2026: A New Era of Always‑On, Stage‑Based Support for South West Tech Founders
Growth Forge returns for 2026 with its most flexible and founder‑focused evolution yet. This year introduces a stage‑based learning journey, giving founders a pathway tailored to where they are right now — Early, Growth or Scale — ensuring every module and interaction is directly relevant to their challenges. Alongside this, Growth Forge now runs as an evergreen accelerator, allowing founders to join at any time, start immediately and access all modules released so far.
Choose your stage. Shape your journey.
Founders select the stage that best reflects their current position.
- Early Stage supports founders building strong foundations and validating their proposition.
- Growth Stage helps companies with product‑market fit prepare for investment and scale.
- Scale Stage is designed for businesses navigating Series A and beyond, focusing on strategy, leadership and advanced fundraising.
Each stage includes eight monthly modules delivered via live webinars, with recordings available on the Accelerator Platform. This modular structure gives founders a clear, flexible route through the year.
A brand‑new Accelerator Platform
The new Growth Forge Accelerator Platform brings everything together in one place. It acts as a digital hub for learning materials, session recordings, 1‑1 consultations, event sign‑ups, peer groups and programme updates — creating a connected, accessible space to learn, collaborate and track progress.
What you’ll experience inside Growth Forge 2026
Growth Forge 2026 blends structured learning with hands‑on support and a strong founder community. Founders gain access to:
- Monthly online modules tailored to your stage
- In‑person Growth Days
- Stage‑based peer groups
- Dedicated mentoring from experienced founders and specialists
- Full access to the Accelerator Platform
- Investment Day with opportunities to pitch to investors
- Pitch coaching
- Credits system for partner and expert sessions
Growth Days
Growth Days bring founders together for four in‑person sessions across the year. Each day focuses on your stage and gives you structured time to work on your Growth Strategy, guided by mentor insight and assessment data. Three days focus on core strategic development, with a fourth Investor Special offering opportunities to meet investors, pitch and build connections.
Founders have access to:
- Workshops
- 1‑1 sessions
- Keynote speakers
Expert support and Growth Partners
Founders can access a network of experts and coaches throughout the programme, offering guidance on legal decisions, financial planning, brand development, technology choices and international expansion. Growth Forge is supported by specialist Growth Partners:
- Ashfords – Legal Partner
- Microsoft – Technology Partner
- Program – Branding & PR Partner
- Howden – Insurance
- Somerset Council – Innovation Partner
The impact so far
Growth Forge continues to deliver meaningful results. Across 2024 and 2025, founders raised more than £35m in equity and grants, with 110+ companies supported, 25% female founders, 40% positive‑impact tech, and 2,500+ hours of support delivered. The programme remains flexible, accessible and founder‑first, running on a simple subscription model of £50 + VAT per month, cancel anytime.
Ready to accelerate your growth in 2026
Applications for Growth Forge 2026 are now open, with a new platform, new structure and new flexibility making this the most accessible version of the accelerator yet.
