The successful business support hub NatWest Accelerator has opened its newest centre at the University of Brighton. We spoke to Leo Pinto, its Manager, about setting up the new centre and the support it offers businesses.

“Since our launch event on May 14th, in partnership with the University of Brighton, the past few months have been an exciting journey. Being on the ground and seeing our vision come to life has been deeply rewarding. While funding for growth has been a central focus, our mission extends beyond finance: it’s about sharing best practices, delivering valuable content, and, crucially, connecting people to build a thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem.

“From day one, it was clear that identifying and accessing funding is a major hurdle for many businesses. That’s why one of our first priorities was to create a practical, impactful programme to demystify the funding landscape. We have successfully delivered the first iteration of our two-part series on Sales and Funding, designed to equip businesses with the tools and knowledge to grow sustainably.

“On the funding side, our workshops have been particularly well-received. We invited industry experts such as Innovate UK, who provided invaluable insights into grant funding; a NatWest relationship manager, who talked about debt funding; a FinTech founder, who shared his experience raising equity investment; and an accountant, who explained the financials for fundraising in an accessible way. These sessions have not only offered clarity but also fostered a more connected ecosystem where businesses feel supported and informed.”

To provide more personalised support, the Accelerator has offered one-to-one clinics with marketing and investment experts. These clinics have helped businesses refine their strategies and prepare effectively for fundraising conversations.

Leo explains further, “Beyond workshops and clinics, we’ve actively engaged with the wider entrepreneurial community. We proudly sponsored a cash prize awarded to the pitching winners of StartUp Hive, reinforcing our commitment to recognising and nurturing emerging talent.

Additionally, our sponsorship of key events such as the Evolve conference in June, the Sussex Business Show in September, and the Brighton Chamber Summit in October has allowed us to connect with a broad spectrum of business leaders and innovators, further embedding ourselves within the regional growth ecosystem.

“An exciting dimension of this journey has been our strong partnership with the University of Brighton. Collaborating with academic experts and students has enriched the programme with fresh perspectives and research-backed strategies. It also opens doors for innovation-driven businesses to access cutting-edge knowledge and talent, essential ingredients for scaling up.

We are also building a growing community of founders and students interested in entrepreneurship. By providing best practices, thought leadership, vital connections, and free co-working space, we are helping them start and grow their businesses alongside like-minded founders. This vibrant ecosystem is rapidly becoming a catalyst for shared learning and collaboration.”

Talking about what business support will be offered in the future, Leo says, “We will continue to deliver workshops and events focused on funding alongside other relevant themes that support the local ecosystem, including dedicated events for women in business. Our community is steadily growing, and this is just the beginning of a journey to empower businesses to thrive and lead in their sectors.

In summary, these first months have underscored the crucial role of accessible, expert-led financial guidance for growth. More importantly, they have shown that our job is to share knowledge and, most critically, connect people—building a thriving ecosystem where businesses can flourish together. It’s been a privilege to witness companies gain confidence and clarity in their funding journeys. I look forward to building on this momentum and ensuring our programme remains a catalyst for sustainable business success.”

Find out more about the NatWest Accelerator, and download the app to find support.