Global Growth Programme FAQs
Have a question about the Global Growth Programme?
Many of our applicants have questions when they apply for the Global Growth Programme. If you have a question, please have a look at the frequently asked questions below to find an answer, or email our experts directly to get your answer.
About the Programme
What is the Global Growth Programme?
The Global Growth Programme is a unique, fully funded UK market entry solution designed to help you rapidly establish and scale your business in the UK.
What does the Global Growth Programme offer?
The Global Growth Programme consists of 3 layers of support:
- The first layer offers fully funded desk space for up to three employees for a nine-month period at one of our Innovation Partner Hubs located across the West Midlands. You will also get access to an exclusive events programme, networking opportunities and business support to help you connect with relevant people, companies and communities.
- The second layer of support will be tailored specifically to the sector that you operate within. You will receive support with joining accelerator programmes, accessing R&D facilities, introductions to innovation clusters and more.
- The third layer of support focuses on ensuring you have everything you need when establishing and scaling your business in the UK. This includes relocation support, business introductions, marketing amplification across our channels and Global Growth Programme Community membership.
If you’d like to know more about the support on offer, please get in touch with our Global Growth Programme team by emailing [email protected].
Does the Global Growth Programme offer any grants or funding?
The Global Growth Programme does not offer any grants; however, it does fund the physical space for your business to locate – and grow – in the West Midlands for up to nine months. We can also support you with obtaining grants or funding through introductions to our partners.
Will it cost me anything to join the Global Growth Programme?
The Global Growth Programme is a fully funded package and successful applicants will not have to pay to take part.
When does the Global Growth Programme start?
Your nine-month Global Growth Programme support will begin once you’ve submitted a successful application and accepted an offer to be enrolled. Applications are open until March 2026.
When does the Global Growth Programme end?
The programme will end nine months after you start at your chosen partner hub.
How many spaces are there on the Global Growth Programme?
There are 15 spaces available on the Global Growth Programme.
What happens at the end of the programme?
Towards the end of the programme, we will discuss your progress to date as well as the next steps to ensure your continued success in the West Midlands. You will also remain a part of our wider Global Growth Programme community.
Innovation Hubs
Which Innovation Hub can I base my company in?
You can choose one hub to base your company in. You will have the opportunity to visit each hub to assess which one best meets your business’ needs before deciding.
Innovation Birmingham
Set up in WM
University of Warwick Science Park
Set up in WM
STEAMhouse
Set up in WM
Birmingham Health Innovation Campus
Set up in WM
University of Wolverhampton Science Park
Set up in WM
Tyseley Energy Park
Set up in WM
Which Innovation Hubs/Partners will I have access to?
As well as your chosen Innovation Hub, you will have access to several innovation assets across the region including universities and research facilities. You will also be able to attend monthly meetups for our Global Growth Programme community and key business events across the West Midlands.
Eligibility
Do I need to move to the UK to take part in the Global Growth Programme or can I operate remotely?
At least one of your team members will need to be living and operating in the West Midlands for the duration of the programme.
How do I know if I’m eligible to apply?
To be eligible for the programme, you must be:
- An international business or a UK business with at least 10% foreign shareholdings
- A technology-led, scaling business
- Ready to set up in the UK with a UK market entry plan and have conducted your product fit feasibility
- Committed to the West Midlands and plan to have at least one team member in the West Midlands during the nine-month programme
Do I need to have a certain number of employees to apply?
There is no minimum requirement for the number of employees working for your organisation.
Do I need to be generating a certain amount of revenue to apply?
There is no minimum revenue requirement for applying to the programme.
My product/service is being developed; can I still apply?
Yes, you can still apply to the programme. We’d be happy to have a further conversation about your business to help you decide if the Global Growth Programme is right for you.
My business is registered abroad but operates in the UK, can I apply?
Yes, we’re glad to hear that you’re already achieving success in the UK and would love for you to apply.
You will need to register your business in the UK as part of our conditions for acceptance onto the programme. We can introduce you to our partners who can help you with registration.
Which sectors are you accepting applicants from?
We are accepting applications from any scaling tech business in one of these four key sectors:
- CleanTech
- Future Mobility
- HealthTech/MedTech
- DigitalTech
If you are unsure if your company fits the criteria – please contact us.
I’m unsure if I’m eligible to apply, how can I find out if I am?
You can contact us at [email protected] where we’d be happy to provide you with more information on our eligibility criteria.
Applying for the Global Growth Programme
What happens if my application is successful? What are the next steps?
If your application is successful, we will invite you to choose your Innovation Hub and book a meeting to organise your next steps. These could include introducing you to our partners who can assist in your visa requirements, aiding you with your Companies House registration, creating a UK business bank account, and more. We will tailor support to suit your needs. The last thing to do is to select your landing date in the region!
What happens if my application is unsuccessful?
If your application is unsuccessful, we will introduce you to another member of the West Midlands Growth Company team who can assist you in your UK expansion.
How long will the vetting process take? How long after submitting my application will I know if I’ve been successful?
We aim to provide you with a response to your application within ten working days of submission.
When do applications close?
We will be accepting applications until March 2026 – they may close sooner if we have filled all 15 spaces.
What will I need to provide in my application?
When you are invited to apply, we will provide you with full details of what you need to include in your application.
How will you select successful applicants?
We will assess your company based on alignment with our criteria. We want to ensure the companies on the programme are the right fit and that the Global Growth Programme is right for you.
Can I reapply if I’m unsuccessful? When can I reapply?
We will let you know if reapplying in the future is right for you.
Register your interest in the Global Growth Programme
Are you interested in entering the UK market and locating your business at the heart of the West Midlands fast paced, thriving technology sector? Apply for the ultimate UK Market Entry Support via the Global Growth Programme.
More about the Global Growth Programme…
What is the Global Growth Programme?
Set up in WM
Apply for the Global Growth Programme
Set up in WM
Our Partners for the Global Growth Programme
Set up in WM