Growth Accelerator Programmes
The EpiCentre Growth Accelerator Programme: Your Pathway to Business Success :
At the EpiCentre, we’re dedicated to helping innovative businesses thrive. Our Growth Fund Programme offer a comprehensive approach to scaling your business, whether you’re seeking funding, space, or expert support.
With two unique options to suit your business —the EpiFund to work towards applying for Angel Investment and EpiBoost for cash injections and tailored business support—you’ll have everything you need to take your venture to the next level.
From startups to growing SMEs, our programmes provide flexible workspaces, personalised guidance from industry experts, and access to a vibrant community of innovators.
Whether you’re preparing for investment or looking to fund your next big idea, The EpiCentre Growth Accelerator Programme is designed to support your journey every step of the way.
A Unique Opportunity for Innovators
Need funding to launch your innovation, support R&D, or scale your business? EpiFund could be your solution.
At The EpiCentre Haverhill, we provide a vibrant space for innovators—from startups and R&D spinouts to established SMEs. Now, with the launch of our EpiFund, we’re offering support towards accessing our sister company, OI Finance, one of the UK’s largest Angel Investment networks, combined with tailored support to help you grow.
Why EpiFund?
As part of the EpiCentre community, you’ll receive expert guidance from our dedicated Innovation Director, helping you refine your business plan and bypass the early stages of typical Angel Investment applications. When you’re ready, you’ll bypass the initial open competition of typical Angel Investment applications and go straight to Stage B, where your innovation will be assessed by an investment manager to judge if you are ready to be part of the showcase to pre-screened investors.
What are investors looking for?
- High growth potential with a scalable business model
- Funding needs between £100,000 and £2,000,000
- Disruptive technologies
- Products/services with sustainable competitive advantages
- A strong management team and growing market demand
If this sounds like your business, this could be your route to securing funding.
What You Get:
- Affordable, flexible terms for office, lab, or desk space.
- Free, personalised 1-on-1 support from our Innovation Director.
- Access to an expert network and a collaborative community of innovators.
How It Works
- Sign Up for Space – Choose an office, lab, or dedicated desk at The EpiCentre to make your base.
- Work with Our Innovation Director – Set objectives for the next 12 months and prepare to be investment-ready.
- Angel Investment Stage B – Once prepared, you’ll move directly to the second round of Angel Investment consideration, bypassing early competition. While we can’t guarantee investment, this is one of the most direct routes to getting your business in front of top investors.
Next Steps:
- Complete the application form for the EpiFund
- Meet with our Innovation Director and Centre Manager to discuss your eligibility.
- If accepted, join the EpiFund and take your business to the next level!
This is your chance to potentially access funding, support, and a dedicated space for innovation. Complete the form now to start your journey!
*Please read terms and conditions below
Space. Business Support. Cash Injection. Your Business Accelerated.
Looking for a cash injection to move your business forward? EpiBoost could be your answer.
As a small or new business, you probably want to explore a new idea, build your growth or launch to market, EpiBoost could give your something back to help fund your next steps. With inclusive business support as well, there’s nothing stopping you beating your aspirations!
Why EpiBoost?
Looking for a way to elevate your business? EpiBoost is designed to help small and medium-sized businesses thrive. By securing your office, lab, or dedicated desk at The EpiCentre Haverhill, you’ll receive personalised 1-on-1 guidance from our Innovation Director, who will support you on your unique growth journey. Reach your business milestones, and you’ll unlock a financial boost to help with new products, launches, or other growth initiatives. Whether you’re expanding your offerings or scaling operations, EpiBoost provides the space, support, and resources you need to succeed.
What We Offer:
- Your Own Space: Choose an office, lab, or dedicated desk at The EpiCentre—a place to call home for your business.
- Cash Injection: Get a financial boost to fund your growth, launch new products, or bring fresh ideas to life.
- Business Support: Work closely with our dedicated Business Support Director, who will guide you through your growth journey.
What You Get:
- Affordable office, lab, or desk space.
- Flexible terms to let you focus on your business.
- Free, personalised 1-on-1 support from our Business Support Director.
- Access to a collaborative community of fellow small businesses and experts.
How It Works:
- Sign Up for Space: Secure your office, lab, or desk at The EpiCentre.
- Meet Your Innovation Director: Set and agree on your business goals for the next 6 months.
- Request the Grant: Tell us how the grant will help your business.
- Achieve Your Objectives: Hit your targets and receive the grant to fuel your growth!
It’s that simple—Plan, Action, Support. Grow your business with the help of The EpiCentre Haverhill, but hurry—this is a limited-time opportunity.
Next Steps:
Complete the application for EpiBoost to apply, and our Innovation Director or Centre Manager will get in touch to discuss the next steps.
*Please read terms and conditions below
Join us, and turn your vision into reality with the support, resources, and funding you need to succeed.
EpiCentre Growth Accelerator Programme - Terms and Conditions
1. Introduction
By submitting an application to be considered for a place on The EpiCentre Growth Accelerator Programme (the programme), the applicant agrees to be bound by the following Terms and Conditions. This also explains how the programme will be delivered and the responsibilities of each party in relation to the programme.
1. What is offered
Competitive rates on an office, lab or dedicated desk
Flexible inclusive terms to help you focus on what counts – your business
Free access to our dedicated Innovation Director offering personalised 1-2-1 support and access to exclusive benefits from the Business Support Toolkit
A supportive community to ask and answer questions, access experts and understand pitfalls from fellow owners, share wisdom and experiences and rub shoulders with other small businesses
2. Terms and Conditions of the programme
Applications must be received before 31st January 2025.
Applicants accepted onto the programme (participants) must have a 12-month license agreement in place for space at The EpiCentre Haverhill. Space means either an office, a dedicated desk in a shared office, a laboratory or a dedicated bench in a shared laboratory. Space taken must be at standard rate with no other discounts or provisions attached
The EpiCentre Growth Accelerator Programme is open to any business wishing to apply, including those who already have license agreements at The EpiCentre.
Should the participant be in arrears for their leased space, their participation on the programme will be paused until all debts are made good.
Acceptance on the programme is not guaranteed and is at the discretion of the Innovation Director and Centre Manager at The EpiCentre Haverhill.
Applicants agree to comply and supply all the relevant paperwork – Risk Assessment, COSHH, Public Liability Insurance, Money Laundering Form and identity checks completed, proof of any special licence requirements (example – HTO, GMO, etc.)
Applicants must be aged 18 or over.
Applicants and participants name and business may be displayed on the web site, social media posts and case studies to support the marketing and promotion of The EpiCentre Haverhill and consent to this use. Any marketing collateral created regarding the programme, applicants or participants remains the intellectual property and copyright of The EpiCentre Haverhill who retain unlimited and unrestricted rights.
Additional terms and conditions may apply which will be listed on the relevant programme page and form part of this agreement. Terms and conditions may be updated from time to time, which will be communicated to the applicant/participant as and when necessary.
By registering for the programme, applicants indicate that they have accepted these Terms and Conditions.
We accept no responsibility or liability for loss to any person or property relating to the programme save for death or personal injury caused by our negligence for which our liability is unlimited.
- Applicants must meet one or more of the following criteria:
- High growth with a scalable business model
- Require funding between £100,000 – £2,000,000
- Disruptive technology
- Clear need for product / service with a sustainable competitive advantage
- Growing, accessible market
- Positively lead with a strong management team
- Places are limited with just 7 innovative or R&D Businesses
- The Innovation Director
- No guarantee is given or implied that you will progress to the final stage of selection for the Investor Showcase or achieve Angel investment.
How it works:
- Sign up for the space at The EpiCentre; Office, Lab or even a dedicated desk – space to call home
- Get your business settled in get started working with our dedicated Innovation Director
- Agree objectives, timeframes and actions for the next 12 months with our Innovation Director aimed at becoming investment ready
- Meet these objectives and develop your pitch. The Innovation Director will support you as you progress until you are ready to go through to the Angel Network stage B
- Space must be occupied for no less than 6 months prior to receiving the grant.
- At least 3 business objectives and timeframe must be agreed and achieved – signed off by our Innovation Director.
- Grant is payable on receipt of proof of expenditure up to the agreed value.
- If business objectives and time frames cannot be agreed the grant can be withheld.
- The value of the grant may vary but will be no more than 10% of the total license fee paid for the space to a maximum of 12 months. For example, if the applicant requests the grant having occupied their space for 14 months, the grant will be no more than 10% of the license fee paid over the previous 12-month period. If the applicant requests the grant having occupied their space for 8 months, the grant will be no more than 10% of the license fee paid over the preceding 8-month period.
How it works:
- Sign up for the space at The EpiCentre Haverhill; Office, Lab or even a dedicated desk – space to call home
- Meet with the dedicated Innovation Director and agree business objectives over the next 6 months
- Demonstrate the agreed objectives have been achieved and request the grant
3. Terms and Conditions of the space
- Applicants for the programme are required to sign a license for space at The EpiCentre which will have its own set of T&C’s in the line of a Licence Agreement. This is a binding contract for 12 months covering 1. Licence agreement. 2. Duration. 3. Obligations by licensee. 4. Restrictions upon licensee’s rights. 5. Scope of the licence. 6. Provisions and services. 7. Service of notice. 8. Other charges. 9. Rights of third parties. Appendix – Oxford Innovation Code of Conduct. Signed by yourself and an OI representative.
- Applicants agree to comply and supply all the relevant paperwork, including but not limited to: Risk Assessment, COSHH, Public Liability Insurance, Money Laundering Form and identity checks completed, proof of any special licence requirements (example – HTO, GMO, etc.)
- Due diligence requirements as specified and required by The EpiCentre Haverhill take precedent over an applicant’s qualification for the programme.
4. Intellectual Property
Participants will own all intellectual property rights created in their business whilst on the programme. This includes anything in relation to a business’s trademarks, patents, copyright, design rights or confidential information, whether developed independently or with any input from our Business Growth Manager. Any discussions had with our Innovation Director in relation to a participant’s business will be kept confidential and will not be disclosed without consent. It is a participant’s responsibility to ensure that all of your data is held and transferred safely and securely.
5. General Information
Participants must act in a professional manner and comply with our reasonable directions. We reserve the right to terminate a participants place on the programme or the programme as a whole. If a participant chooses not to engage in the programme or is not progressing as we may expect, or for any other reason we may terminate the agreement.
Should the applicant cease trading or cancel their license agreement during the programme, all elements of the programme will immediately cease, and the applicant will no longer be entitled to any of the benefits described above.
The decision of the Innovation Director on acceptance or rejection of the applicant to participate in the programme, or to enable to applicant to apply for funding.