£10,000 Business Grants Available for Entrepreneurs Aged 40+
Local entrepreneurs aged 40 and over have an opportunity to secure £10,000 in business funding through the Simply Business Second Act Entrepreneur Fund.
Simply Business, working with Hatch Enterprise, has launched a funding initiative to support people who are starting or growing a business later in life.
The programme will award five grants of £10,000 each, alongside one-to-one business coaching to help successful applicants develop their businesses.
Who Can Apply?
The funding opportunity is open to eligible UK residents aged 40 or over, including entrepreneurs across Spelthorne, Surrey and the wider UK.
- Applicants must be aged 40 or over at the time of entry.
- Both existing business owners and people with a viable business idea can apply.
- Businesses do not need to be actively trading yet.
- There is no upper age limit.
- Only one entry is permitted per person and business.
What Will Successful Applicants Receive?
- £10,000 business grant to support their business plans.
- One-to-one business coaching delivered by Hatch Enterprise.
- Support to explore business challenges, goals and future growth.
- Access to the Hatch Enterprise alumni network following the programme.
Successful applicants must complete the required coaching programme before receiving their grant funding.
What Are the Judges Looking For?
Applicants should explain their business idea or existing business, why they started it and how they would use the £10,000 to make a difference.
Applications will be assessed against:
- Business viability: Whether the business can generate sustainable revenue.
- Customer demand: Evidence that customers need the product or service.
- Growth potential: Clear ambitions and plans for future development.
- Use of funding: A realistic explanation of how the grant would support the business.
Simply Business recommends an application of approximately 100–200 words addressing the key criteria.
Key Dates
- Application deadline: Thursday 12 November 2026, 11:59pm.
- Winners announced: On or before Friday 4 December 2026.
- Business coaching: Begins following selection, with further programme activities during 2027.
How to Apply
Interested entrepreneurs should complete the official online application form before the deadline.
Apply for the £10,000 Second Act Entrepreneur Fund
Applicants should review the full eligibility requirements, judging criteria and terms and conditions before submitting their entry.
This funding competition is organised by Simply Business in partnership with Hatch Enterprise. Spelthorne Business Forum is sharing the opportunity for the benefit of the local business community.