GrantRadar

Simply Business

Second Act Entrepreneur Fund

Simply Business's Second Act Entrepreneur Fund is a competition awarding £10,000 grants to five UK entrepreneurs aged 40 or over, with an existing business or a legitimate business idea. Winners also get one-to-one business coaching from Hatch Enterprise, and entries are judged by a panel including Levi Roots. Entry is a short online form of about 100 words; the grant is paid only after the winner completes the coaching programme.

Apply on the funder’s site
You could get
£10,000
Deadline
25 days left
12 November
Effort
Light
short form, little evidence needed

Who can apply

  • Individuals aged 40 or over at the time of entering who live in the United Kingdom (including Northern Ireland) and have a legitimate business idea or an existing business
  • There is no stated requirement for the business to be registered or trading, and no sector or turnover limits are given
  • One entry per person and per business
  • Winners must commit to the coaching programme (December 2026 to April 2027) and are responsible for any tax on the prize
  • Judges look for a valuable product or service, a viable business with sustainable revenue, proof of market demand (research or existing customers), ambition and plans for growth, and a clear, legitimate plan for the £10,000

What it funds

Funding and mentorship for entrepreneurs aged 40+ to take the next step with their business:

  • A £10,000 grant for your business, used as set out in your entry
  • One-to-one business coaching from Hatch Enterprise (December 2026 to April 2027, starting with an in-person session in January)

five winners. The grant is paid by bank transfer to a UK account no later than 30 days after successfully completing the coaching (attending at least 6 of 7 sessions and completing an end-of-programme form); not completing it forfeits the prize.

What it will not fund

  • Simply Business employees and their immediate families
  • More than one entry per person and business
  • Entries that appear to be written completely with AI

How to apply

  1. Read the entry criteria and full terms and conditions
  2. Complete the online entry form: name, email, confirmation you are 40+, your business website or social channel, and about 100 words on why you started (or want to start) your business and how you would use the £10,000
  3. Enter by 23:59 on 12 November 2026
  4. Winners are announced on or before 4 December 2026 on the campaign page and by email

using AI to check spelling and grammar is fine, but entries that appear to be written completely with AI will not be shortlisted.

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