Breakthrough with Lloyds

Empowering founders, removing barriers.

Breakthrough is an eight-week accelerator designed for disabled entrepreneurs who are ready to take the next step in growing their businesses. Built to remove systemic barriers and amplify the strengths founders already hold, the programme offers expert-led support, tailored funding advice, and a powerful community of peers with lived experience.

Through a combination of interactive masterclasses, one-to-one mentorship, and strategic business development support, founders will gain the tools, confidence, and connections needed to scale their ventures in a way that works for them. The programme culminates in a Showcase Day, where participants will have the opportunity to pitch to investors and funders, as well as access a £21,000 grant funding pot.

We are committed to creating an inclusive and accessible experience for every founder. If you have any accessibility requirements or would benefit from additional support during the programme, please get in touch with our team so we can discuss how best to meet your needs.

What's on offer

Access to a £21K funding pot

Expert-Led Masterclasses, Coaching & Sector-Specific Mentorship

Accessing Grants, Subsidies & Accessible Capital Models

Embedded Accessibility Across Every Programme Touchpoint

Building Peer Networks, Collaboration & Founder Accountability

Showcasing Ventures to Investors, Funders & Strategic Partners

Process Criteria

Application process

For this transformative programme, we have a 3-stage application process to ensure applicants and their businesses are at the right stage of their journey and are able to gain the most benefit from the programme.

Need assistance or accessibility accommodations to complete your application? Contact us at breakthrough@foundervine.com.

Stage 1

Written application

Please check that you meet the criteria. If you do, then complete the application form.

Stage 2

Video Submission

Shortlisted Stage 1 applicants will be asked to submit a video pitch or book an interview with the team, along with their pitch deck.

Stage 3

Final Selection

Successful Stage 2 applicants will receive an invitation to join the accelerator and have 2 days to confirm their place, after which the next applicant will be invited.

Timeline

There are only 25 spaces available on this unique accelerator, delivered through a combination of virtual and in-person events from late September through early December 2026.

01 July

Applications open

19 August

Applications close

29 September

Accelerator starts

01 December

Showcase day

Meet the 2025 cohort

View all

Lifespan Psychology

Our Pain 2 Power CIC

Nutriri

Own Your Flair Ltd.

We're in a much better position now after being on the programme than when we entered. The grant funding, expert support, and cohort experience gave us the confidence and resources to grow Eco Swap, reach new clients, and take our business to the next level.

Antony Gutsa, Co-Founder, Eco Swap

Frequently Asked Questions

What do we mean by disability?

According to the Equality Act 2010 - a person has a disability if they have a physical or mental impairment that has a substantial and long-term adverse effect on their ability to carry out normal day-to-day activities. Many people do not define themselves as disabled based on the legal definition. This has led organisations to adopt an approach known as the social model of disability. It argues that people are disabled due to society's barriers and focuses on removing them. As a business, you are advised to (a) identify these barriers, and (b) remove them wherever possible.

What are the different types of disability?

Physical: impaired physical ability such as Cerebral Palsy, RSI, Parkinson's, loss of mobility.
Mental: affecting thinking, emotional states or behaviours such as depression, anxiety and bi-polar disorder.
Cognitive: the way people think, process and remember such as; Dyslexia, learning difficulties and dementia.
Sensory: affecting senses such as sight, hearing, smell, touch, taste or spatial awareness.
Health conditions: serious illness such as cancer, diabetes and HIV.

What are the other distinctions to be aware of?

Visible: immediately apparent, due to a person’s appearance, behaviour or use of a stick or wheelchair.
Non-visible: disabilities that are not immediately apparent, such as mental health or long-term health conditions.
Born with: where a disability was present from birth.
Acquired: where a condition developed during a person’s lifetime or resulted from an accident.

Resources

Supporting Disabled Business Owners

The Lilac Review

Levelling the playing field for disabled entrepreneurs

Breakthrough is brought to you in partnership with Lloyds

Breakthrough