Small businesses pitched live on the main stage for a share of a £10k prize and mentoring opportunities
The judging panel was made up of Kypros Kyprianou (CEO, Theo Paphitis Retail Group), Katie Piper OBE, Michelle Prance (CEO, Mettle), and Dr Raphael Sofoluke (Founder & CEO, UK Black Business Show & UK Black Business Week).
For over 15 years, Small Business Sunday (#SBS) has been empowering and celebrating the UK’s small business community. Together with long-standing partner NatWest Accelerator, this year’s pitch competition continued that proud tradition by giving entrepreneurs a platform to think BIG and pitch live for game-changing support.
The #SBS x NatWest Accelerator Live Pitch Competition at #SBSEvent2026 saw three inspirational small businesses take to the main stage at the ICC Birmingham to pitch for a share of £10,000 and invaluable mentoring opportunities:
- Kate Taylor, Evenly, Dorset
- Charlotte Giddings, Brownie and the Bean, Suffolk
- Sarah Howick and Georgina Hammond, A Noble Gift, Kent
“Entrepreneurs are the lifeblood of the UK economy, and this competition is all about celebrating their passion, creativity and determination,” said Theo Paphitis, founder of Small Business Sunday. “We’re thrilled to have partnered with NatWest Accelerator once again to support small businesses in turning their big ideas into real growth.”
Hosted by TV Dragon and small business champion Theo Paphitis, the live session took place in front of more than 1,000 entrepreneurs eager to see this year’s #SBS-winning finalists – Evenly, Brownie and the Bean, and A Noble Gift – showcase their innovation, ambition and passion.
Kate Taylor, Evenly: “Pitching live at #SBSEvent2026 was such a proud and memorable moment. Sharing Evenly’s mission of supporting women with breast asymmetry on such a supportive stage and being recognised in this way is hugely meaningful, giving us real momentum as we continue growing our impact.”
Charlotte Giddings, Brownie and the Bean: “Pitching live at #SBSEvent2026 was one of the most exhilarating experiences of my life, and winning the £2,500 prize is an incredible boost for our business. The support will help us grow and improve our conversion rates ahead of a busy Q4, and we’re so grateful to everyone behind the scenes who made it possible.”
Sarah Howick, A Noble Gift: “What an incredible day at #SBS2026, surrounded by such inspirational businesses. Pitching on stage in front of 1,000 people and the amazing panel of judges was so surreal and coming away with mentoring Kypros and Theo was a dream come true. We are so excited for what’s to come. Thank you to all the #SBS crew!”
After three dynamic pitches and an engaging Q&A session with the judging panel, Evenly impressed the judges and audience alike to claim first place, winning £7,500. Brownie and the Bean took second place, securing £2,500 and a free stand at the 2026 UK Black Business Show, whilst A Noble Gift was awarded third place, receiving a bespoke mentoring package from NatWest, Theo Paphitis and Kypros Kyprianou.
Darren Pirie, Head of NatWest Group Accelerator & Strategic Partnerships, said: “We are incredibly proud of our longstanding partnership with Small Business Sunday and are delighted to bring the Accelerator Pitch Competition to this vibrant community. Supporting the entrepreneurial spirit at #SBSEvent2026 and through our regional bootcamps allows us to empower small businesses to think big, innovate, and achieve sustainable growth. We look forward to working closely with these inspiring finalists and all participants as they take their businesses to the next level.”
From hundreds of entries showcasing some of the brightest entrepreneurial talent in the UK, three outstanding finalists were selected to move forward to the live final. Each had just three minutes to pitch, followed by five minutes of live Q&A from the expert judging panel.
All finalists also gained invaluable exposure, networking opportunities and media coverage as they presented their businesses to an audience of more than 1,000 entrepreneurs at #SBSEvent2026.
For over 15 years, Small Business Sunday (#SBS) has provided a platform for the UK’s most promising entrepreneurs to grow, connect and showcase their ideas. This year’s live pitch competition continued that legacy – celebrating creativity, resilience and the power of small business to make a big impact.
