Are you ready to take your business to the next level? Think you have what it takes?
Cotswold Catalyst, our incubator programme for Cotswold start-ups, returns for a second year at the Royal Agricultural University in 2026.
The Programme, funded by Cotswold District Council, offers an outstanding opportunity for high potential start-ups in the Cotswolds to take their business to the next level, preparing them to scale and grow.
Those selected for the Programme receive a six-month fully-funded bespoke plan, with workshops tailored to their needs, delivered by business expert Gill Smith of The Business Kitchen.
Those successful also receive a dedicated co-working desk at the Alliston Centre, our business hub on the RAU campus which is home to The Growth Hub Cirencester and Farm491, for the length of the programme. This will provide individuals with opportunity to embed themselves into the thriving, local business community at the Alliston Centre, creating networking opportunities and enabling further ideation.
Scroll down for more details on the Programme. Applications for the 2026 programme have now closed.
Why apply to the Cotswold Catalyst?
The key benefits of our Cotswold Catalyst programme are:
- Tailored business growth support
You will participate in a 6-month fully-funded bespoke plan of business workshops and 1-2-1 sessions tailored to your scale-up needs, delivered by business expert Gill Smith.
- Professional business workspace included
A dedicated co-working desk at the Alliston Centre (valued at over £1,800) provides you with a productive, professional base to work, meet clients and collaborate.
- Immersion in a thriving business community
Be a part of an active, thriving business community, fostering ideation and networking, at the Alliston Centre.
- Exclusive incubator experience
With only six places available, the Programme offers a highly personalised, high-impact experience with close support and networking opportunities.
- Investment readiness and exposure
The Programme concludes with Pitch Day, giving you a chance to test your investment readiness and showcase your scale-up journey.
- Expanded local network
You will have the opportunity to connect with local entrepreneurs, policymakers and academic partners as well as thought leaders in the innovation and grant funding space, opening doors to collaborations, partnerships and new opportunities.
When does the Programme start?
The current Cotswold Catalyst programme started in January 2026.
How is the Programme delivered?
The Programme takes place in person at the Alliston Centre, our business hub on the RAU campus and home to The Growth Hub Cirencester and Farm491.
Group workshops and 1-2-1 sessions are delivered monthly (4 hours per month) by business expert Gill Smith, cofounder of The Business Kitchen. Read more about Gill here. There is an expectation that you will work beyond the delivered workshops and sessions to reach your scale-up goals.
Your dedicated co-working desk will also be located in the Alliston Centre – a supportive business hub environment.
Who should apply?
We are looking for businesses that have a high potential to grow by creating jobs and contributing to the Cotswolds economy, showcasing it as a great place to start a business.
You must also have:
- Passion
Founder or owner passion is crucial. We are looking more at what you want to achieve as opposed to where you are right now.
- Ambition
You need a good understanding of where you want to take the business in the next few years and why.
- Commitment
You will need to be able to commit to a 6-month Programme and possess a willingness to learn, take action and deliver.
Why 6-months, not the traditional 10-weeks?
We understand you are busy building your business, and 10-weeks of intensive commitment can be hard to keep up with, so we want to give you the guidance and the freedom to flourish.
Many traditional catalysts are a 10-week programme but we want to be there for the development and implementation of your learnings, so that you have the best chance of obtaining tangible outcomes.
What is the application process?
- Apply via our online application form.
- Based on your application, we may shortlist you for our Catalyst Insight Day, which will give you a chance to meet the team and showcase your business
- We will then select our final cohort for the Programme.
Please note that applications are now closed for Cotswold Catalyst 2026.
If you have any queries about the Programme or to register your interest in future Programmes, please email karl.collett@rau.ac.uk.