Luton Elevate - Business Growth Launchpad

Helping Luton Businesses to Thrive and Grow Sustainably

Looking to grow your business, develop your leadership skills, or access funding for growth?

The Luton Elevate - Business Growth Launchpad offers free expert support, training, mentoring, and access to grant funding to help your business reach the next level.


What You’ll Get

  • Bespoke one-to-one mentoring with experienced business advisers.

  • Expert-led workshops and masterclasses on leadership, finance, growth strategy, and sustainability.

  • Peer learning with other ambitious Luton-based business leaders.

  • Access to a growth grant to put your plans into action.

What can I access on the Luton Elevate - Business Growth programme?

  • Take The Lead – Business Accelerator Programme

    Perfect for business owners who want a structured, collaborative learning in an online group learning environment. In groups of up to 12 businesses, you will be introduced to the SHIFT³ Framework, which helps you move from understanding your current Position, to defining your Ambition, and then building a Strategy to bridge the gap. 

    This programme encompasses

    - 4 × 2-hour interactive workshops covering: Growth Strategy & Business Development, Leadership in SMEs,  Accessing Finance & Funding,  Building Sustainable Business Models

    - 2 × 2-hour peer-to-peer problem-solving clinics, offering collaborative mentoring and shared learning.

    - Up to 3 hours of one-to-one mentoring to create a practical Action/Growth Plan tailored to your business.

  • Face to Face Workshops

    Ideal for business owners who prefer flexible, topic-focused learning. Participants can attend up to four in-person Masterclasses in Luton, covering:

    Building Successful Teams
    Learn how to lead, motivate, and manage people for great results.

    Communicate with Confidence
    Improve your pitching, networking, and communication skills to grow your business.

    Finance Made Simple
    Understand key business financials to make smarter business decisions.

    Getting to Yes: Negotiation Skills
    Learn practical skills to negotiate with confidence.

  • 1:1 Tailored Mentoring

    Participants can also receive up to 6 hours of one-to-one mentoring, delivered by experienced business advisers.

    These tailored sessions will focus on supporting participants to develop effective business growth strategies, create robust development plans, and explore opportunities for accessing finance and investment, helping each participant build the knowledge and confidence to take their business to the next stage of growth.

  • Business Growth Grants

    Businesses engaging with at least 8 hours of support through any of the programmes will be eligible to apply for a business growth grant to help implement their growth plans.

    This grant can be used to support key business investments such as innovation, leadership development, marketing, digital transformation, or sustainability initiatives.

     

Who can apply?

  • Businesses based in Luton (Ideally 3+ employees)

  • Ambitious businesses looking to grow sustainably

How Luton Elevate Works

1: Apply Online

Fill in the form below and tell us about your business and goals. You will then be sent an email with details of the individual programmes you can apply for.

2: Meet your Advisor

Have an introductory call to discuss your priorities and choose the right support for you.

Access Support

Attend our programmes of support and access 1:1 mentoring.

Apply for your grant

Following your attendance at a minimum of 8 hours support you will be invited to apply for a business growth grant.

Apply for Luton Elevate - Business Growth Launchpad

Interested in accessing support? Provide some business details below and we will be in touch shortly! We can't wait to hear from you!

The Luton Launchpad Programmes are funded by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.

The UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) is a UK Government initiative providing funding for local investments to support the government's five national missions, including economic growth, making the UK a clean energy superpower, and breaking down barriers to opportunity. From April 2025 to March 2026, UKSPF will continue to support local projects focused on communities and place, supporting local businesses, and people and skills. For more information, visit https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/uk-shared-prosperity-fund-prospectus