Within the INVEST element of the ScaleUP programme, it is proposed to build a pool of selected European providers of business acceleration services: the network of ESA Business Accelerators. This new service aims at improving the ability of promising European space companies to achieve sustained commercial growth by:
- Strengthening business development and go-to-market activities
- Facilitating access to finance
- Strengthening networks to other markets and attract a wide range of customers
The implementation of an ESA Business Accelerator will involve a local administrator (i.e. an ESA Technology Brokeror an ESA Business Incubation Centre (ESA BIC) in countries where there is not a Broker) that set through a pool of experienced national providers of high-quality business acceleration services (e.g. coaching and training). Those providers will be selected through an open competitive tendering procedure and supported by their respective national delegations for an initial period of three years, renewable.
The ESA Businesss Accelerator targets promising ideas/proposals that require a maturation of their business plan and that are not interested in or suitable for entering an existing ESA Programme.