Start-up accelerator Entrepreneurial Spark (ES) has announced partnerships with both mobile cab hailing app GetTaxi and professional services firm KPMG.
The deal with GetTaxi, which is an app that allows customers to hail licensed black cabs, is designed to strengthen ES’s digital offering. It will see GetTaxi teams being deployed to seven locations across the UK – providing digital mentoring to budding entrepreneurs at existing ES sites.
In addition to the mentoring support, those in the learning centres will benefit from critical office support including free wi-fi, meeting rooms and office facilities.
KPMG is also partnering with ES to offer support to entrepreneurs in Scotland. The deal will see support offered at bases across Edinburgh, Glasgow and Ayrshire.
The accountancy firm will boost ES start-up six-figure cash pot prize funds for all three Scottish locations annually, awarded to the best entrepreneurs.
Additionally, thousands of entrepreneurs supported by ES and the bank will benefit from access to KPMG’s Small Business Accounting service.
>See also: How to apply for a business loan
Phil Charles, head of enterprise for KPMG in Scotland, said the firm has a “deep-rooted commitment” to supporting entrepreneurs and small businesses across the country.
“[We are committed to] providing coaching, support and advice to aspiring entrepreneurs,” he said.
“ES is working with the big businesses of tomorrow, so the more we can do to help entrepreneurs understand and get to grips with their numbers, and ultimately help them to secure investment, the better.
“We look forward to supporting our first intake of ambitious company owners over the coming months, and watching their businesses flourish.”
ES CEO Jim Duffy added that one of the biggest challenges the organisation faces is “ensuring that those start-ups which are seeking investment are truly investor ready”.
“We searched the country for a leading accountancy firm willing to give back and support entrepreneurship, and were blown away by the commitment of the KPMG team,” he said.
“We look forward to working with them across the country over the next three years, enabling entrepreneurs across the country to grow their businesses, create jobs and support the economy.”
Further reading on start-ups: Five top reasons why start-ups fail
