Australian startups and SMBs have a unique opportunity to accelerate their growth, thanks to the new Communications Accelerator Programme initiated by Cherish PR, a UK-based PR firm.
In celebration of its 20th anniversary, Cherish PR is extending its support to Australian scale-ups, with applications open until October 31, 2023. This program offers over 150 hours of pro bono communications services, aiming to assist SMEs in expanding their presence in the UK market. Shortlisted businesses will undergo interviews in November, with the final selections announced in December 2023, paving the way for the program’s commencement in January 2024.
To be eligible for this opportunity, businesses must be operational with a product or service in the market or beyond the MVP stage. Additionally, they should have secured at least seed or series A funding and possess a well-defined business or go-to-market plan. In return, Cherish PR’s team will provide a range of services tailored to each business’s needs, including communications, PR and brand workshops, strategic guidance, digital content planning, or a launch strategy. Their goal is to assist in nurturing brands that are actively driving positive change.
Notably, this initiative stems from the same team that has successfully launched renowned brands such as Wix, eHarmony, SmileDirectClub, Indiegogo, Kobo, Vimeo, HotelTonight, and match.com, among others. Cherish PR is dedicated to showcasing the pivotal role of PR in facilitating the adoption of innovation and setting the stage for the next wave of entrepreneurial ventures.
The Cherish PR team is on a mission to showcase the transformative power of PR and its influence in educating new audiences about ground-breaking technology. Whether it’s a visionary challenger brand reshaping its industry, a socially conscious startup prioritizing people and the planet, or an innovative product/service addressing real-world problems – their expertise will highlight the profound impact of PR.
Founder Rebecca Oatley comments, “Entrepreneurs are a powerful force in creating positive change, and with a challenging global economic climate, we want to support those ambitious entrepreneurs growing their businesses now. We have spent the last 20 years creating the right environment for these market leaders to emerge through effective PR, brand and communications strategies”.
Despite the challenging environment, new businesses in the UK are on the rise, with a 6.5% increase in new companies y-o-y in the first 12 weeks of 2023.
“We are seeing innovation and new businesses in CarTech, HealthTech, FemTech, PetTech, GreenTech and marketplaces, driven by our most pressing global challenges – cost saving, community and social mobility, climate and the planet.
“Now is the right time for our agency to use its experience in growth strategies, brand building, market entry and startups to open this programme and help businesses to make the biggest impact through innovation”, Ms Oatley concludes.
Application process
August to October 2023
Applicants will be asked to fill out a list of questions on Cherish’s website, which includes showcasing how they are making a positive impact, the company’s mission, stage of growth and investment.
November 2023
The Wilful Group’s management team which includes the Co-CEOs, Managing Director and Director, will shortlist five businesses to interview to explore their businesses further.
December 2023
Finalists shared.
January to December 2024
Communications Accelerator commences.
T&Cs
- Startups must be at or beyond their seed funding stage
- Companies can apply from any global market looking to scale in the UK
- Businesses must be operational with a product or service that is either in market or past minimum viable product stage and should have a clearly defined business and / or go-to-market plan
- The accelerator will start in January 2024 and run for a period of 12 months to December 2024
- Format, timing and level of support will be agreed between company and agency.
- The objective of the programme is mentorship and consultancy advice. The accelerator cannot be exchanged for money. The brand will not be charged within the accelerator hours allocated and a share of the business will not be acquired unless agreed post the hours being utilised.
- The programme may run for a shorter period if the hours are used up for a campaign moment.
- The programme does not include third party costs such as paid media spend, print, production, video or photography.
- Cherish PR will allocate the most suitable consultant to work with the successful company and this is subject to change based on time, availability and skill set.
- Cherish PR has the right to use results of the work with the successful startup for PR and marketing purposes until December 2026.
- Cherish will work with the company on a bespoke, case-by-case basis. Cherish cannot guarantee which service will be offered, it will be based on what will be most impactful for the company during the period and within the hours allocated.
Founders and executives can now apply via the website www.cherishpr/20years where they can also share information about their business.
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