Something you probably won't know about me is that I actually used to run an accelerator myself. For two years, I was based in Australia and worked for a large technology company running all of their startup and growth services. I ran a conference called StartCon, which was the biggest startup and growth conference in Australia and New Zealand. I organised numerous events and fireside chats around those larger-scale conferences too.

When the opportunity came up to join an accelerator for SIC, I knew there were lots of benefits. I’ll be honest though, there were plenty of things that even I wasn’t expecting. Here are five reasons I joined the NatWest Accelerator, and why it could be a great fit for your business too.

Community is key

I can’t overstate how much community plays a part when you’re setting up a business or going solo as a freelancer. Finding your tribe and connecting with people around you can be one of the most amazing things about accelerators.

I’ll admit, I don’t love networking, but joining a pre-created group of people makes that easy. You’re automatically given a group of people, a network if you will, who will be there to support you.

Not only have I made friends and business contacts, but I've also found people to partner with. Dan - whom I met during my first six months of the programme, is now one of SIC’s associate consultants and we run several different programmes together.

*Dan O’Driscoll, who I met on the entrepreneur accelerator with me.*

Continuous learning is vital in entrepreneurship

No one knows everything. I’m a marketeer by trade, but as an entrepreneur, I have to do everything from accounting to operations, and HR. Rather than muddle along solo, an accelerator is a great opportunity to learn from experts.

During my time at NatWest, I’ve learnt loads of practical skills like bookkeeping, operations, and sales funnels. I’ve also bought things to my peers. I’ve bought my events and marketing experience and my expertise in access and inclusion. It’s been great to feel like I’ve contributed to the learning of others.

*Presenting to my peers about access and inclusion in the workplace.*

Remote connectivity

Although I chose a face-to-face cohort that was near my home, this isn’t an accelerator that has to be done in person. What's good about the NatWest Entrepreneur Accelerator is that you can do this accelerator remotely. There is a remote cohort that operates in just the same way as the in-person sessions. (And of course, no in-person sessions ran during the lockdown, they were all online)

Collaboration is everything

No man or woman is an island, and it's really important to work with others, especially when you're first starting and might not necessarily have your own team. At SIC I'm lucky enough to have a small but mighty team, but I do recognise that it is crucial to be able to work with others and learn new things.

As my team is remote, having people to sit and work with has been great. I don’t love office-based work, but I do miss a bit of chit-chat from time to time.

The importance of cheerleaders

Having cheerleaders around you is the most important thing. Our Accelerator Manager, Adam, has been an absolute superstar. He is my ultimate cheerleader, from liking, sharing, and commenting on every post I make on LinkedIn to talking about me to other people (in a good way!).

It's so important in entrepreneurship to have people who will mention you in rooms where you're not there.

Plus, Adam, will also have a go at anything, including being part of our e-learning programme on entrepreneurship and self-employment.

What does the NatWest Accelerator entail?

You do six months at a time. I did the first six months and was super dedicated. The second six months, my health was failing me, and to be honest, I didn't get to engage as much as I would like. The third time you normally join as an alumni, but because I hadn't been able to engage the second time around, I engaged almost as if my third time was my second time.

You attend every other week but also have access to a hub. Often this is in NatWest offices, but for me, it was on campus at a University. The sessions cover a range of topics, with participants able to deliver sessions to their peers too. I delivered a session on access and inclusion, with a particular focus on accessible marketing and communications.

So, if you're thinking of doing an entrepreneur accelerator, I would, honestly, recommend it. It's been a fantastic experience and something that I've loved.

Check out the NatWest website to find out more and apply here.