Nottingham, UK – October 2025
Allia is launching two fully funded programmes in Nottingham this autumn to support founders and entrepreneurs creating positive social and environmental impact across the East Midlands.
The initiatives – Start Strong: Tech for Good and Solo to Scale – are part of the UK Government’s Regional Tech Booster programme, delivered in partnership with the UK Tech Cluster Group and supported by the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT). Both programmes will take place in person at the University of Nottingham Innovation Park, Castle Meadow Campus and are free to attend.
Start Strong: Tech for Good
Start Strong: Tech for Good is a five-week programme designed for early-stage founders in Derby, Derbyshire, Nottingham and Nottinghamshire who are developing technology-based solutions that address social or environmental challenges.
Participants will benefit from expert-led workshops, one-to-one mentoring and access to Allia’s national network of over 4,000 impact entrepreneurs, venture advisors and investors. The programme starts on Tuesday 11th November 2025 and focuses on tech-for-good ventures with potential impact in areas such as education, housing, sustainability, and community services. The programme helps founders move from idea to launch, refining their concept, validating their business model, and building confidence to register and grow their enterprise.
Solo to Scale
Following later in November, Solo to Scale is a three-day programme designed for existing founders who have already established their business and are ready to take it to the next stage of growth. It supports participants to scale their operations, expand their customer base, and develop strategies to outsource key functions, enabling them to work on their business rather than in it.
Participants will benefit from expert-led workshops, one-to-one mentoring and opportunities to connect with other impact-driven entrepreneurs. The programme also offers the chance to pitch to social impact investors and key stakeholders at its conclusion, helping founders to refine their message and build valuable partnerships.
Delivered in person at the University of Nottingham’s Castle Meadow Campus, sessions run from 10am – 4pm. Founders can choose between an intensive three-day bootcamp from 26–28 November 2025, or a flexi pathway on 26 November, 3 December and 10 December 2025, spreading their learning across several weeks while maintaining day-to-day business commitments. This flexible approach allows participants to select the format that best suits their schedule while still receiving the same high-quality mentoring and peer support.
The programme is open to registered businesses across Derby, Derbyshire, Nottingham and Nottinghamshire, particularly those operating in education, sustainability, low carbon, housing or other impact sectors, including tech-for-good enterprises.
Supporting regional innovation and impact
Both programmes form part of Allia’s wider mission to support impact-led ventures and social innovation across the UK.
Sheridan Chilvers, Programme Manager at Allia, said:
“We’re thrilled to bring these two programmes to Nottingham. Whether you’re just starting out with a tech-for-good idea or looking to scale an existing impact business, these free programmes provide tailored support, mentoring and a strong community to help founders succeed.”
Applications for both programmes are open now:
