Business Lincolnshire has launched a new and simplified academy model, making it easier for businesses across Greater Lincolnshire to understand what support is available, how it applies to them and where to start, with sector‑specific expertise, specialist advisers and fully funded programmes brought together to support businesses at every stage of their journey.
The Start Up Academy
Every successful business starts with strong foundations. The Start Up Academy supports individuals and early‑stage businesses who are exploring an idea, preparing to launch, or in the first stages of trading.
Delivered by dedicated Start Up advisers across Greater Lincolnshire, support includes one‑to‑one guidance, workshops and peer learning. Advisers help businesses test ideas, build a business plan, understand finances and navigate the steps needed to move into trading with confidence.
Find out more
Start Up Accelerator
Alongside the Academy, the Pre‑Start and Start‑Up Accelerator provides a fully funded, structured programme for entrepreneurs and new business owners. The accelerator focuses on market research, business planning, financial management and operational readiness, helping new ventures move from concept to reality with clarity and confidence.
Get Started
Business Growth Academy
For businesses that are already trading and ready to move forward, the Business Growth Academy provides structured, one‑to‑one support tailored to where a business is now and where it wants to go.
A dedicated fully funded Growth Adviser works with each business to identify barriers to growth and develop a clear action plan. Support covers a wide range of growth priorities, including leadership and management, productivity, finance readiness, innovation and digital adoption.
Business Growth AcademyAccelerators within the Business Growth Academy
- High Growth Accelerator: supporting ambitious businesses to scale more quickly and sustainably
- Leadership and Management Accelerator: building leadership confidence and capability for owners, directors and managers
- Finance Readiness Accelerator: helping businesses understand funding options and become investment‑ready
- International Accelerator: supporting businesses to explore overseas markets and export opportunities
- Innovation Accelerator: helping businesses develop and adopt new ideas, processes and technologies to drive competitiveness and resilience
- Supplier Engagement Accelerator: helping businesses connect with local public sector opportunities through a supplier directory, workshops, buyer events and resources
Together, these accelerators ensure that finance, leadership and innovation are fully embedded within the growth offer.
Digital Academy
The Digital Academy supports all businesses, not just digital or tech companies. The academy is designed to make better use of digital tools and technology. Through initiatives like Digital Lincolnshire and the Digital Leaders Forum, businesses can access support with improving online presence, streamlining processes and adopting practical digital solutions that add value.
Visit the Digital Academy
Digital Accelerator
Within the Digital Academy is the Digital Accelerator and the AI Accelerator, providing guided support to explore develop digital capabilities, use artificial intelligence and apply it in meaningful, both in commercially relevant ways across different business types.
Find out moreSector Specific Support
Different sectors face different challenges. Business Lincolnshire’s sector‑specific Academies bring together specialist advisers and tailored programmes aligned to key industries across Greater Lincolnshire. Each Academy also includes a fully funded accelerator programme for businesses ready to progress further
The Manufacturing Academy offers specialist support for manufacturers across Greater Lincolnshire. Delivered by dedicated Manufacturing Advisers, it’s designed to support manufacturers to improve productivity, adopt new technologies and develop their workforce. Access programmes such as Made in Lincolnshire, Manufacturing Growth Sprints and GLEAM, each designed to support different stages of your journey.
Within this academy is the Manufacturing Accelerator, an intensive support for manufacturers ready to transform operations and drive long‑term efficiency.
Tailored support for farming and agriculturally based businesses, recognising the unique pressures and opportunities within the rural economy. Advisers provide sector‑informed guidance that reflects regulatory, technological and market considerations.
Under the Farming Academy is the Farming Accelerator, which involves hands‑on, specialist support to help agri‑businesses adapt, diversify and improve long‑term profitability.
Focused on social enterprises and purpose‑driven organisations, this Academy provides support that reflects alternative business models, funding structures and community impact.
Within this academy is the Greater Lincolnshire Social Economy Accelerator, which includes focused support to help organisations grow impact and build more resilient funding and operating models.
Supporting businesses operating in retail, hospitality and the visitor economy. This Academy focuses on resilience, customer experience, leadership and operational efficiency in fast‑moving, customer‑facing sectors.
As part of the Visitor and Retail Academy, the Retail Accelerator offers tailored support from our specialist Retail, Leisure and Hospitality Adviser, Hayley Toyne. This targeted programme helps businesses attract customers, improve performance and plan confidently for the future.
A clearer route into support
Together, the Business Lincolnshire Academies and Accelerators create a more transparent and accessible support ecosystem. Businesses no longer need to navigate multiple offers or guess what applies to them, support is grouped clearly by stage and sector, with expert advisers on hand to help.
If you’re not sure which Academy or programme is right for your business, Business Lincolnshire advisers can help you explore your options and connect you to the most relevant support.
Get in touch to speak to an adviser today: https://www.businesslincolnshire.com/book-an-adviser/