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January 14, 2026

New Cohorts Open: Start Strong and Scale Up Return to Cambridgeshire

Following successful cohorts in Papworth and Peterborough, Allia Impact is opening applications for the next round of Start Strong and Scale Up programmes – this time based at our Cambridge Campus in King’s Hedges.

These flagship programmes, which Allia also delivers in London and the East Midlands, support impact-driven businesses at two critical stages of growth: from idea to registration, and from early traction to sustainable scale.

Start Strong

Start Strong Cambridgeshire is designed for aspiring social entrepreneurs, solopreneurs, and first-time founders ready to turn their ideas into legally registered ventures. This free 7-week intensive programme provides everything needed to launch with confidence: expert-led workshops on business planning, marketing, and legal structures, dedicated 1:1 coaching and mentoring, and a supportive peer community of fellow founders.

Running from 2nd February to 18th March 2026, the programme combines weekly sessions at our Cambridge Campus with online elements, making it accessible for participants across Cambridge, Peterborough, and Fenland. By the end of the seven weeks, participants will have the tools, connections, and confidence to register their social enterprise and begin trading.

Scale Up

For established impact businesses ready to grow, Scale Up Cambridgeshire offers strategic support to take ventures to the next level. This free 7-week programme is designed for founders who have been trading for at least 12-18 months and have proven traction but need clarity on sustainable growth.

Participants will get a deeper understanding of their Impact, explore new growth strategies and look at ways to scale their operations – all whilst connecting with experienced mentors and a dynamic peer community. The programme runs from 4th February to 18th March 2026, with hybrid sessions at Allia Future Business Centre Cambridge.

Vision Programme

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 the UK Goverment through the Cambridgeshire & Peterborough Combined Authority managed by Social Enterprise East of England, and delivered by Allia Impact.

“I’ve loved supporting people that are looking to contribute meaningfully to their communities through entrepreneurship,” says Marina Pritchard, Programme Manager at Allia Impact. “We’re excited to continue this work with a new group of founders at our Cambridge Campus. Whether you’re turning an idea into reality or scaling an established impact venture, these programmes offer the guidance and community support that can make all the difference.”