In collaboration with Lloyds

Breakthrough

Applications are open
Apply now

Empowering founders, removing barriers.

Breakthrough is an eight-week accelerator for disabled entrepreneurs who are ready to grow on their own terms. 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. From masterclasses to mentorship to a final showcase with funders, Breakthrough is designed to help founders scale strategically—without compromise, without assumptions, and without limits.
The accelerator will end with a Showcase Day, offering a platform for pitching to investors and accessing a £18k grant funding pot!

We are committed to providing an equitable experience so that every founder receives the support they need to succeed on the Breakthrough programme. If you have specific accessibility requirements or need additional assistance, please don't hesitate to reach out to us to discuss how we can best support you.
What's on offer
Access to a £18K funding pot
Tailored Funding Support
1-2-1 advice from Lloyds staff
Pitch your business to investors
Lived Experience Mentorship
Accessible Learning
ProcessCriteria

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.

We are committed to ensuring a smooth and equitable application experience for everyone. If you require any assistance or accommodations to complete this application due to accessibility needs, please contact us via breakthrough@foundervine.com - we are happy to help and make the necessary arrangements.
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.

2025 timeline

There are only 20 spaces available on this unique accelerator, delivered through a combination of virtual and in-person events from November through to February 2026. There will be a winter break at the end of December, with no requirement to commit to sessions during this period.
08 October
Applications open
12 November
Applications close
01 December
Accelerator starts
12 February
Showcase day

Areas of focus

Own the Room: Craft a Pitch That Lands
Built to Last: Making Your Business Future-Ready
Simplifying The Legals: What Founders Need To Know
Smarter, Not Harder: Systems That Scale With You
Know Your Numbers: Plan, Forecast, and Grow
Money Moves: Real Talk on Funding Your Next Stage
From Invisible to Unmissable: Marketing That Works
Sales Without the Stress: Boosting Revenue Sustainably
Lead Without Burnout: Building a Business That Works for You

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