NatWest has opened applications for its Accelerator Pitch competition, inviting entrepreneurs to compete for a share of £100,000 at each of its three live finals.
Applications for the Oxford round open today, with the city’s final taking place on June 18, and further pitch events are scheduled for Cardiff in September and London in November.
At the live events, five finalists will deliver a three‑minute pitch followed by up to seven minutes of questions from the judges. The top three businesses will share the prize fund, with £70,000 for the winner, £20,000 for second place and £10,000 for third.
The competition aims to address access to capital, one of the biggest challenges facing early‑stage businesses. By combining funding with coaching, peer support and investor networks through the NatWest Accelerator, the programme strives to help founders move from early validation towards investment readiness.
To enter, founders must be a member of or join the free NatWest Accelerator community via the NatWest Accelerator app, and submit a 60‑second video pitch outlining their business and growth plans by 5pm on May 5.
“Access to funding remains a major hurdle for many entrepreneurs, and the NatWest Accelerator Pitch competition gives founders a dynamic platform to build confidence and compete for the support they need to grow,” says Darren Pirie, head of NatWest Accelerator.
“We see the difference the right backing can make, and we’re excited to bring even more entrepreneurs onto the stage this year. By expanding these events across the UK, we’re helping more founders tap into the funding and networks that drive sustainable long‑term growth.”
Through its Growing Together plan, NatWest aims to grow its accelerator community to 50,000 this year. The bank operates its free accelerator across 12 UK locations and online.
