Allia Impact opens new cohorts for Start Strong and Scale Up programmes in Cambridge

Building on successful delivery in Papworth, Peterborough, London, and Nottingham, Allia Impact has opened applications for the next cohorts of its Start Strong and Scale Up programmes, now running from the organisation's Cambridge Campus.

The programmes, which form part of Allia's wider commitment to supporting impact-driven businesses across the UK, offer free expert guidance for Cambridgeshire founders at different stages of their entrepreneurial journey.

Start Strong Cambridgeshire (2nd February - 18th March 2026) is a 7-week intensive programme for aspiring social entrepreneurs, solopreneurs, and first-time founders ready to register their ventures. Participants receive expert-led workshops on business planning, legal structures, and marketing, alongside dedicated 1:1 mentoring and peer support. The hybrid programme is open to residents across Cambridge, Peterborough, and Fenland.

For established ventures, Scale Up Cambridgeshire (4th February - 18th March 2026) supports social enterprises and impact businesses that have been trading for 12-18 months and are ready for sustainable growth. The 7-week programme helps founders develop growth strategies, diversify revenue streams and grow their understanding of Impact - all whilst connecting with experienced mentors and fellow entrepreneurs.

This programme is part of the Vision Programme - an impact and business growth programme for the social enterprise and third sector in Cambridgeshire. Funded by UK Government through the Cambridgeshire & Peterborough Combined Authority managed by Social Enterprise East of England, and delivered by Allia Impact.

"The response to our Cambridgeshire programmes has been fantastic," explains Marina Pritchard, Programme Manager at Allia Impact. "We're delighted to continue this work with a new group of founders at our Cambridge Campus, building on the success we've seen in Papworth and Peterborough, as well as our parallel programmes in London and Nottingham."

Allia has been at the forefront of impact innovation for over 25 years, supporting thousands of social ventures, startups, and charities to grow and thrive through its Future Business Centres, business support programmes, and impact finance expertise.

Places are limited in both cohorts, with applications being accepted on a rolling basis.