International Scale Up Programme, Cohort 3, Expression of Interest

Ready To Take Your Business Global?

If you are a fast-growing Greater Manchester business ready to take the next step towards international expansion, then take a look how our 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 £500,000 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).

*If you are a start-up or business operating for less than 3 years and/or have a turnover of less than £500,000, which can demonstrate fast growth, please email us at [email protected]. An adviser will be in touch to discuss your case and potential application.

What You Can Expect

The International Scale-Up Programme will offer you:

• Access up to £2,500 grant to support our exporting strategy (subject to companies attending mandatory activities in the programme)

• Help developing a robust and sustainable export action plan

• 1-2-1 support from a dedicated International Trade Adviser

• Support with trade missions, market visits, and introductions to overseas partner

• Fully funded expert-led workshops

• Access to Export Champions and Mentors

• 20% off on your 1st year of Membership with Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce (New Members only)

• Access preferential rates on GMCC’s wide range of international trade services. Including their British Chamber of Commerce Foundation Award on International Trade.

Cohort 3 starts in September 2026

We are now recruiting for Cohort 3 of the International Scale Up programme. If your business fits the criteria and you're ready to explore new international markets, don't miss this opportunity – each cohort includes up to 25 businesses.

Key dates:

Applications are now open for cohort 3! Register your interest here and we’ll share the link to start your application.

Workshop Key Dates: 
Day 1 – 16th September 2026, 8:30 -16:30, Central Manchester 
Day 2 - 17th September 2026, 8:30 -16:30, Central Manchester 
Day 3 – 30th September 2026, 8:30 -16:30, Central Manchester 
 
Register your interest here and we’ll send you the link to apply.

Costs 

There are no fees associated to participate in the programe.

Disclaimer

Please note your details will be shared with International Scale Up Partners to facilitate the delivery of this service.

Privacy Policy

For more information on how your data is stored please visit our .

International Scale Up is a partnership between GM Business Growth Hub, the Department for Business and Trade (DBT), and Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce. As part of this partnership, the information you provide will be shared between these organisations for the purpose of delivering the most appropriate support to you. For details on how GM Business Growth Hub uses and protects your information, please visit our Privacy Notice https://www.growthco.uk/privacy-policy/ . Additional privacy information from our partner organisations will be provided at the point of contact where relevant.

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Host or Publisher GM Business Growth Hub - International