Small businesses across the UK are being given the chance to pitch for a share of £1 million in funding as NatWest launches its Accelerator Pitch competition to celebrate ten years of its free NatWest Accelerator programme.
The initiative invites ambitious entrepreneurs to submit a 60-second video pitch explaining how funding would help their business grow. Applicants must demonstrate a strong track record of goal-setting and achievement, along with a compelling case for how they’d use the funding to fuel their next stage of growth.
Shortlisted entries will be invited to live regional finals — the first in Manchester this July, followed by London in 2025, with more regional finals planned across the UK. At each event, five finalists will deliver ‘Dragon’s Den’-style pitches to a panel of expert judges. A total of £100,000 in funding will be awarded at each final, with £70,000 going to the top business.
Darren Pirie, Head of the NatWest Accelerator, said the competition reaffirms the bank’s commitment to championing entrepreneurs: “As Britain’s biggest bank for start-ups, we believe supporting small business growth is key to a strong economy. This competition is a fantastic opportunity for entrepreneurs to showcase their success and show us how they’ll scale to the next level. My advice is: don’t be modest – tell us what makes your business special!”
Since its launch in 2015, the NatWest Accelerator has supported nearly 10,000 small businesses, offering free access to expert coaching, workshops, mentorship, and a collaborative business network. In 2025, the programme will expand with the launch of a new digital community, enabling even more entrepreneurs to access support.
Finalists in the Accelerator Pitch will be judged on their business models, innovation, growth potential, and how much of an impact the funding will have on their plans.
To enter, business owners must submit their pitch videos through the NatWest Accelerator platform. Submissions are open now, and the first winners will be announced in Manchester this summer.
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NatWest launches £1 million competition to accelerate small business growth