Business Accelerator Programmes & Incubators: What are they, and how do I know if they are right for me?
THIS BLOG IS PACKED WITH OPPORTUNITY FOR THE MOB members building a business.
Our resident MOB Business Coach Francesca Hodgson is back!
In this edition you can learn more about accelerators and incubator programmes and access information on how to apply to an upcoming Free Accelerator Programme, in London, in collaboration with Mums Who Build.
Maybe you have heard of a business accelerator or incubator or maybe these terms are completely alien to you, if the latter, know that you are not alone.
photos from the first 66 Days to Success Accelerator, featuring Francesca with entrepreneur Simon Squibb and the team from vestd, mums from the Mums Who Build community attending workshops, and members presenting and networking during the programme.
One of the most famous and iconic accelerator programmes in the world is Y-Combinator, known as ‘YC’. It was founded in 2005 by Paul Graham and 20 years on is still one of the most sought after programmes in the world.
For the last 2 decades support for entrepreneurs has been growing, however finding these opportunities is still somewhat like finding a needle in a haystack because at the first hurdle, you need to know what you are looking for and that opportunities like this even exist.
In the last week I am so proud to be working as an Entrepreneur in Residence as part of the Cambridge Spark programme which has been covered by Forbes. The very fact that it’s 2025 and the first time one of the most Iconic colleges in the world has launched an incubator, really highlights that we are just at the beginning.
Accelerators vs Incubators
Accelerators are typically more focused on businesses ready to grow whereas incubators tend to be more aligned to intensive support at a very early-stage. Both can be an exceptional competitive advantage as they offer the ability to open doors and get access to key resources and knowledge needed to execute your venture.Earlier this year I pulled on my knowledge, experience, and network to launch my own accelerator ‘66 Days to Success’ with Mums Who Build, Tide Bank and Vestd. Now I am super proud to let you know that due to the success of the pilot we are running our next programme commencing 3 October 2025 and this is your chance to be there!Why attend an accelerator and why did I choose to pour my heart and soul into building one?......
Entrepreneurship or creating a small business that works for you can be incredibly rewarding but it is also so tough and lonely at times. I best describe it as that age old cliche, the rollercoaster ride! Now jump on your rollercoaster and take a few kids along for the ride too and wow you have your hands full!In 2013 I had my first child, in 2016 I knew I couldn’t keep pace with the demands of corporate life and the juggle of being a mother, not to mention the cost of childcare!In 2016 I took the leap of faith to start my own business, needless to say it was a journey. Whilst we had plenty of success introducing contactless giving to the charity sector with GoodBox, I was left with some huge battle scars, some scars that could have possibly been avoided if I had just a little bit of safe support.
This is why I am so passionate about creating safe spaces and opportunities for those with ambitious minds. An accelerator programme can be incredibly valuable for those who want to achieve more and grow their network, business expertise, and benefit from mentorship, guidance and access to funding. I am on a mission to match experience and capital investment with great energy, ideas, and relentless commitment to the entrepreneurial journey.
My mantra is ‘together we achieve more’ and for this reason I have pooled everything I know, and have access to, into an incredible free programme for others to get the opportunity to access the support I wish I had.More specifically, lets talk about you……
Are you looking for business support or education?Are you looking for funding?Are you looking for a co-founder?Are you looking to validate your idea?Are you looking for a safe space and to grow your network?
If you find yourself nodding to a few of the above then take a look at our programme, it’s completely free if you are fortunate enough to be awarded a place. I’ve worked hard to ensure that the programme dates never fall in school holiday periods, as a mum myself I know how important it is to structure our work around the needs of the family. There are no barriers to making an application to the programme however spaces are limited by our venue capacity so please don’t delay in making an application.
In addition, thanks to HelpBnk, a key partner of the accelerator there is an incredible opportunity for those who want to demo or showcase their products and services at Boxpark Wembley.To find out more check out the HelpBnk Showcase on the 22nd September, stalls are just £12.50 allowing you to showcase your business in the heart of Wembley and connect with the HelpBnk team.Like everything in life, opportunities are what you make of them, if you feel that either of these are right for you then grab them with open arms. I have no doubt that if you’ve got this far in the blog, you’ve got the energy!!!As always feel free to share what you are building in comments with me, or provide any feedback on this blog or pose questions you’d love me to answer!
Until next time Mobsters…..BestFrancesca
Please connect with me via Linkedin and instagram, details below. If Linkedin, please add a note to your connection request to let me know you are a member of The MOB.https://www.linkedin.com/in/francesca-hodgson/
https://www.instagram.com/we.are.ambition/
What is Mums Who Build?
Mums Who Build is for the ambitious mum at a pivot point - whether that’s starting a business, relaunching a career, or taking control of your financial independence. We’re not another support group. Think of us as your personal board of directors: a network of mums who get it, who’ve done it, and who are ready to help you thrive.Through MOB+, our paid membership, you’ll unlock 24/7 connections, accountability, and access to tools that actually move you forward - from career strategy to business growth to financial confidence. This isn’t networking for networking’s sake, it’s strategic collaboration that pays for itself.Put simply: we’re your bridge from just surviving motherhood to using it as your launchpad.