There is a real buzz in the business communities of Skövde and Skaraborg. And for mid-sized companies ready to take their next step in growth, there is now a true game changer: Navigator ScaleUp.

This is a national programme with roots in the EU and a strong local presence in Skaraborg. Gustaf Lexell is one of the people coordinating the process from Science Park Skövde.

“Navigator ScaleUp is a tool for mature companies that want to grow, gain new perspectives and continue investing in their development. It doesn’t matter whether you sell smart industrial solutions or floral arrangements – what matters is your ambition to grow,” says Gustaf Lexell.

Growth initiatives that develop companies in Skövde and Skaraborg

The programme is delivered in collaboration with the Navigator ScaleUp Foundation, Sparbanken Skaraborg and Sparbanken Lidköping, and is aimed at companies with at least five employees and a turnover of several million SEK. The journey begins with a thorough analysis of the company’s current situation and future goals. From there, the focus is on finding the right coaches to guide the company forward.

Each participating company is assigned a team of four coaches – two women and two men – with different areas of expertise, such as finance, marketing, process development and business strategy.

“The coaches are not only experts in business. They are passionate people who genuinely want to contribute, support development and see companies succeed. That is Navigator ScaleUp’s real superpower,” says Gustaf.

A two-year programme that delivers new insights

The programme runs for 24 months and gives companies the opportunity to develop their operations with guidance and support from their coaches. This may involve streamlining processes through digitalisation, developing the company website, reviewing the business model, or improving forecasting by refining financial calculations and measuring performance in new ways. For many family-owned businesses, this is the first time they invite an external perspective into the company.

But the results are often clear:

“One company received advice about a trade fair and generated sales of one million SEK in just three days. Another discovered new markets and products. Sometimes it’s about raising prices, writing better contracts or daring to recruit new skills,” Gustaf explains.

There is a participation fee for Navigator ScaleUp, but the investment often pays off many times over.

“Working with Navigator ScaleUp is incredibly exciting. We gain insight into so many different industries, and it’s fantastic to see companies grow and develop,” says Gustaf Lexell.