24 Sep Entrepreneurial Spirit Felt at NatWest Accelerator Event in Newcastle
September marked an exciting month for entrepreneurship in the North East as business leaders and innovators gathered at the striking Lumen building in Newcastle for the NatWest Accelerator event, hosted by Nickie Kilkenny, the Accelerator Community Manager, and Sophie Gowling, Entreprise Acceleration Manager.
The energy in the room was palpable, with dozens of entrepreneurs not only discussing their own ideas but learning about the ideas of others, keenly making introductions and connections to help each other connect with the right people. The event highlighted the region’s bustling business ecosystem, proving that creativity, generosity drive are flourishing in the North East.
The atmosphere was not only inspiring but also welcoming, creating a strong sense of community among the entrepreneurs, many of whom were working on vastly different projects. For those who have been primarily working online, like many over the past few years, the event offered a much-needed return to face-to-face connection.
The Power of In-Person Networking
Speaking about the event, business owner Lisa Bean, who has been running meetings and training sessions virtually, reflected on the human need for connection, “It’s easy to fall into a pattern of staying indoors when you run an online business, but I set the intention last month to get back out in person. You can truly feel the human benefit of that. Connection is a core human need, and this event was a reminder of that.”
What Is the NatWest Accelerator?
The NatWest Accelerator is a UK-wide program designed to support entrepreneurs and help them scale their businesses. The program provides founders with mentorship, access to networks, and tailored support on areas such as business growth, leadership development, and financial planning. Participants gain invaluable advice on scaling sustainably and are part of a community of like-minded entrepreneurs. The initiative aims to drive innovation, create jobs, and empower small businesses to thrive.
If the Newcastle event was anything to go by, the NatWest Accelerator continues to provide an ideal environment for entrepreneurs to push their boundaries, connect with peers, and take their businesses to the next level.
For those interested in attending future events or learning more about how NatWest supports entrepreneurs, it’s worth keeping an eye out for future opportunities to engage with this impactful program.
