The Spelthorne Business Plan Competition 2026 is here to help. Whether you are a budding entrepreneur or a small business ready to take the next step, this is your opportunity to secure funding, gain practical support, and turn your idea into a viable business.

Now in its 12th year, the competition has helped launch and grow dozens of businesses across Spelthorne. With expert mentoring, valuable networking, and a Dragons’ Den-style final, the competition is designed to give you the confidence, skills, and backing to move forward.

• A £4,000 cash prize to help kickstart or grow your business
• Expert mentoring to develop and refine your business idea and plan
• Training for finalists to help you pitch with confidence and clarity
• Business support and dedicated mentoring from an established business
• Valuable exposure and networking with local business leaders
• A complimentary ticket to the Spelthorne Business Awards
• The chance to present your idea at a Dragons’ Den-style final hosted at bp in Sunbury

You can apply if you:

• Are 16 years or over
• Live or study in Spelthorne
• Enter as an individual or a team (up to four people)
• Have a business idea or an early-stage start-up

No previous business experience is required. What matters most is your enthusiasm, commitment, and belief in your idea.

Applying is straightforward.

Submit your application by 13 April 2026 to be in with a chance of winning.

1️⃣ Complete the application form below with details of your business idea
2️⃣ Submit your application and get ready for an exciting journey!
3️⃣ Connect with us on Facebook for updates and announcements

Shortlisted applicants will be invited to work with experienced mentors to refine their business plans before pitching at the Dragons’ Den-style final in June 2026, held at the bp Research Centre, Sunbury upon Thames.

There will also be 3 mandatory training workshops covering pitch presentation training and preparing your business plan for the judges.  Dates for these will be 27th  April, 11th and 18th May, times tbc, to be held at the council offices in Staines.

Our Sponsors

The Spelthorne Business Plan Competition would not be possible without the generous support of our sponsors. Their commitment helps provide vital funding, mentoring, and practical guidance to aspiring entrepreneurs across the borough.

Our sponsors play a key role in nurturing local talent, encouraging innovation, and supporting the growth of new businesses. By sharing their expertise, time, and resources, they help turn promising ideas into sustainable ventures that benefit the wider Spelthorne community.

Become a Sponsor

We are always delighted to work with local businesses who want to support this inspiring competition and invest in the future of enterprise in Spelthorne.

Sponsoring the Spelthorne Business Plan Competition offers an opportunity to:

• Support a well-established and respected local initiative
• Help local entrepreneurs bring their business ideas to life
• Raise your profile and visibility within the local business community
• Align your brand with innovation, growth, and community impact
• Build meaningful relationships with emerging businesses and fellow sponsors

Whether you are a small local business or a larger organisation with strong community ties, your support makes a real difference.

If you would like to find out more about sponsorship opportunities for the Spelthorne Business Plan Competition 2026, we would love to hear from you – email members@sbf.biz

Headline Sponsor: bp

bp hosts our exciting Dragons’ Den-style final at their Sunbury HQ, offering finalists a professional setting to pitch their ideas.

• FSB – Supporting innovation and entrepreneurship
• Step8up – Helping businesses and individuals reach their potential
• Shepperton Studios – Investing in local creativity and business development
• dnata – A global leader in aviation and travel services, committed to supporting business growth

Entry Deadline: 20th April 2026
Final: June 2026 at bp Research Centre, Sunbury

Thank you to all who have entered.
For further informaiton please contact:
members@sbf.biz