International Scale Up Programme
If you are a fast-growing Greater Manchester business ready to take the next step towards international expansion, then take a look how the brand-new International Scale Up Programme can support your growth ambitions.
Delivered by the Enhanced Trade Partnership in Greater Manchester, this programme brings together the combined expertise and resources of the GM Business Growth Hub, Department for Business and Trade, Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce, and the Greater Manchester Combined Authority. Together, we’re building a globally competitive, internationally connected business community right here in Greater Manchester.
This is your opportunity to join a high-impact cohort of Greater Manchester businesses and gain the strategic support needed to scale up successfully on the world stage.
Who Is The Programme For?
We’re looking for established, high-growth potential businesses that are:
Must be based in Greater Manchester
Operating for at least 3+ years in the domestic UK market*
Have a minimum of 5 staff
Have a minimum of £250,000 in turnover*
You can be either a first-time exporter or have international trading experience.
You have a scalable product or service ready for international markets - Ensure you provide strong evidence of why your product and/or services have strong scalability.
Ideally, have registered a year-on-year growth
All sectors welcome
Ready to commit time and resources for this 6-month programme, although individual tailored activities for which a grant has been allocated will have a max of 12-month period to take place (e.g. Specialised Training, Consultancy, Market Visits, Trade Exhibitions, etc).
Cohort 2 Timeline
Applications Open: January 2026
Applications Deadline: 20th February 2026
Applications assessed and selected by end Feb/Start of March 2026
Group Activities start by end March/April 2026
Individual tailored export activity by Feb 2027
