Starting and running a business is a journey filled with both opportunities and challenges. Many ideas risk never taking off without the right support and network. This is where the UIC Accelerate program plays a crucial role. By combining business coaching and networking with partners and access to expert knowledge, the accelerator gives entrepreneurs the tools to develop their ideas into sustainable companies.
UIC Accelerate is a business development program that provides companies with support through carefully selected business coaches and a structure tailored to each company’s specific challenges — completely independent and without taking any ownership.
– It’s fascinating how you can come with an idea and actually get help to build something that can grow and become successful. Without this type of initiative, Sweden would lose many promising companies, says business coach Tomas Thorsbrink.
Tomas Thorsbrink – the hockey referee with a focus on leadership
Tomas has a background in auditing, financial management, and business development — but also unique experience from the world of sports as head of referees in Swedish and international ice hockey. The common thread throughout his career has been leadership, structure, and people’s development.
As a business coach at UIC, he contributes those perspectives: helping companies build structures around finance, ownership, and business plans, while also supporting entrepreneurs in the “softer” aspects such as communication, leadership, and collaboration between co-owners.
– It’s often not just about numbers and business models, but about the people behind the company. If they can talk to each other and grow together, the conditions for success are there, Tomas explains.
Common challenges – and why the accelerator can be crucial
Many startups face similar obstacles: lack of structure, conflicts between co-owners, or difficulty prioritizing. This is where a business coach can make a decisive difference in helping the company take the next step. Tomas also believes that the Swedish view of failure needs to change.
– I think we in Sweden are bad at seeing the value in the experience of failure. If you’ve tried, maybe even gone bankrupt, you bring something valuable into your next venture. That should be seen as an asset, not a defeat, he says.
“See failures as successes”
Tips from the coach for entrepreneurs
- Believe in yourself. Without confidence in your idea, success is difficult to achieve.
- See failures as successes. Every setback brings experience and lessons.
- Surround yourself with great people. Build a network of people who complement your skills and bring positive energy.
- Be patient. Everything takes longer and costs more than you think.
– You get access to the best of the best, and to services that would otherwise cost a fortune if you were to pay for them yourself. That’s why more companies should open their eyes to UIC, says Tomas.