Returning for its fifth year, the programme by small business insurance provider, Simply Business, will award a £25,000 cash grant to one deserving entrepreneur. The aim of the initiative is to help a small business owner to launch their next big idea, or provide crucial support to help an existing SME thrive.
The final shortlist has been revealed today, following over 17,000 applications for the prize designed to give one lucky small business owner a helping hand as they navigate challenges such as rising living costs, increased energy bills and ongoing supply chain uncertainties.
This year, Wild Chai in Hounslow has made the final six companies shortlisted to win the cash grant. Wild Chai is an innovative, authentic Indian tea company founded by sisters Jasmine and Alicia. Specialising in aromatic, ayurvedic chai blends, the tea is sourced from India and blended in London.
Speaking about the initiative, co-founders Alicia and Jasmine Kharod said: “We’re beyond excited and grateful to be on the shortlist! As two sisters passionate about sharing Ayurvedic-inspired blends with the world, this recognition feels like a huge step forward for our small South Asian-owned business.
“A £25,000 grant would be transformative, enabling us to bring our wellness chai to a wider audience, support sustainable growth, and honour our cultural roots as we expand. This support would truly help us bring our dreams to life.”
Also making the final shortlist is The Vegan Patty Lady, based in Catford. The Vegan Patty Lady is the creator of authentic Jamaican vegan patties with a focus on high quality, plant-based ingredients, providing vegans with culturally flavoured foods.
Speaking about the Business Boost grant, Natasha Orumbie, the company’s CEO and founder, said: “I’m beyond thrilled and deeply humbled to be shortlisted from 17,000 incredible entrants for this opportunity. Winning a £25,000 grant could be a game-changer for my business, and I’m so grateful for the chance to take it to the next level.”
Other shortlisted companies in the running for the financial boost are:
● Comfa, Derby – A family-run business with a mission to develop innovative sensory products for neurodivergent children and their families, including the Fidget-T – the world’s first t-shirt with built-in pop-its.
● NameSwitch Ltd, Hungerford – A name-change service with a mission to simplify and streamline the process of changing legal names, giving customers the ability to notify over 700 different companies simultaneously.
● Little Perth, Bournemouth – An Aussie-inspired florist and speciality coffee shop, with a flower delivery service and two stores along the Dorset coast serving sustainable, ethical coffee.
● Thornborough Cider, Bedale – A small-batch cidery in Yorkshire producing traditional ciders from locally sourced apples, using natural fermentation techniques and 100% renewable energy.
The judges will pick a winner based on criteria including how the business positively impacts society, innovation and practicality of the business’s plan for the prize money. Importantly, judges are also looking for compelling stories that showcase the business's trials, triumphs, and inspirational moments.
The winner will be announced on December 13 following a decision by a panel of expert judges including renowned entrepreneur Timothy Armoo, Harpreet Kaur, winner of BBC’s The Apprentice and last year’s winner, Claire Marchais, owner of eco-friendly, low-waste wholefoods store, Fair-Well.
Bea Montoya, UK COO at Simply Business, said: “Supporting our communities’ small businesses has never been more crucial, and we’re honoured to be able to help make a genuine transformational impact for another small business owner this year.
“With almost 20,000 entries, we were deeply moved to hear about the big dreams of small business owners across the country, and it’s clearer than ever that our self-employed community is brimming with passion, drive and resilience.
“Having witnessed the positive impact of our Business Boost initiative for the last four years, we are thrilled to be returning with our £25,000 grant this year and wish the best of luck to the six incredible businesses on the shortlist.”