NatWest Accelerator Pitch launched in 2025 to support high‑potential founders across the UK. In our first year, the competition attracted thousands of applications, delivered two packed-out finals and awarded significant funding to help businesses grow.
In 2026, we continue with a new series of competitions and a £100k prize pot for each live final. We’re now looking for the next group of businesses ready to accelerate their growth.
Have you got brilliant ideas and a burning passion to grow your business? Yes? Then it sounds like you're ready to enter!
To enter, send us a 60-second video telling us how the funding will grow your business.
Our judges will select five Finalists based on the strongest presentation of how the funding will help their business grow and who can demonstrate a strong track record of setting and achieving their business goals. Those Finalists will attend our first live final in Oxford on 18th June 2026.
At the live events, the Finalist will get to deliver their best 15 minute pitch about their business journey, how the prize money will grow their business and why they should win. The best three at each event will share in the £100k prize pot, with the overall winner scooping £70,000 for their business.
So, what are you waiting for?
Finalists will feature in video and photo content produced by NatWest and affiliates and will attend networking events on the day at the NatWest Accelerator Hub.
You’ll need to be:
a registered limited company
registered in the UK
incorporated up to 5 years
generating up to £1m revenue
18 or over and a UK resident
be part of the NatWest Accelerator App Community
you don’t have to be a NatWest Group customer to apply
you must not be an employee of NatWest Group of companies, their families or anyone associated with this competition
Before you start your application, please ensure you have everything you need, as the application cannot be saved midway and must be completed in one sitting. It is advisable to prepare your notes in advance
Prepare a 60-second video pitch (please see video guidance below)
Complete online form
Make sure your video is uploaded and submitted with the application form
Entries open 14th April 2026 and the closing date for entries is 5pm 5th May 2026
Ensure you have downloaded the NatWest Accelerator App. More information here.
Please read the full terms and conditions and privacy policy. Please note, T&C's are specific to each competition.
Our three winners of NatWest Accelerator Pitch at each live final will walk away with…
1st place - £70,000
2nd place - £20,000
3rd place - £10,000
Monetary prizes will be in the form of a grant, and will be paid via BACS transfer which will take between two-three working days to be received in winners account, subject to winners providing full business account name, account number and sort code in a prompt and timely manner.
Please note, applicants successful in reaching the final will be required to:
attend a live final pitch day
respond in a timely manner to pre-event invites and communication
feature in media activity including but not limited to, print, online and broadcast opportunities. Winners will need to commit a total of no more than 4 hours to PR & Marketing initiatives until the end of 2027
take part in video content creation including but not limited to, the day of the live finals and post event follow-ups
respond in a timely manner to NatWest communication following the competition for future media activity
by accepting a cash prize, winners will receive promotion on our social media channels and confirm that they will not publicly engage in promotional activities with any other banking providers in the UK for 12 months after the event.
Ready to showcase your business and win big? Here’s what you need to tell us:
Impress us with your business: Who are you and what’s your business all about? Keep it short and punchy.
Boast like a boss: Don’t be modest. Share your successes and milestones. What makes your business stand out?
Getting biggie with it: If you win the cash, what are you going to do with it? How will it help you grow and by how much?
What's so special about you?: Why should the judges choose you over everyone else? What’s your USP?
General Guidance:
Be Authentic: Let your passion and personality shine through
Be Clear and Concise: Stick to your most powerful points and make every second count. Remember your video shouldn't be longer than 60-seconds
Be Specific: Provide a clear plan and vision
How to film:
Good Lighting: Ensure you’re in a well-lit space, facing the light source
Clear Sound: Choose a quiet location to avoid background noise
Steady Camera: Use a tripod or place your camera/phone on a stable surface
Framing: Position the camera at eye level and make sure you're centred in the frame
Practice: Do a few practice runs to get comfortable
File size guidance – maximum of 60mb
Entries open: 14th April 2026
Closing date for entries: 5th May 2026 - 5pm
Finalists confirmed by: 11th June 2026
Live final: 18th June 2026
Please note: your business does not have to be based in Oxford to enter this competition, however, you will be expected to be able to travel to Oxford if selected for the finals.
Please note: if you are a runner-up or winner, you are not eligible to participate in any future competitions.
Enter now