Santander is offering early-stage startups and small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) across the UK the opportunity to compete for a share of £135,000 in funding and business support through the Santander X Awards. As one of the UK’s leading pitch competitions for emerging businesses, the Santander X UK Awards has already provided over £1.1 million in vital funding and support to thousands of UK companies.

This year the competition has three categories to support businesses at critical points in their business journey:

• University: for new businesses looking to launch
• Startup: for early-stage businesses looking to grow
• SME: for growing businesses looking to scale

By September 1, 150 businesses (50 in each category) will be shortlisted to take part in a series of online pitch workshops. These shortlisted businesses will then compete in a mix of online and in-person pitching heats, culminating in the selection of the final nine — three from each category.

On November 13, the nine finalists will deliver their live pitches at the National Final, hosted at Unity Place – Santander UK’s headquarters in Milton Keynes – in front of a prestigious panel of judges, including Santander UK Chief Executive Mike Regnier.

The nine winners (three per category) will win a share of £135,000 which is £15,00 each in funding and secure an automatic place in the Santander X Global Awards, the bank’s international entrepreneurship competition, where they will have the opportunity to compete against some of the best early-stage startups from across Europe and Latin America in Spring 2026.

Mike Regnier, CEO, Santander UK said: “The Santander X UK Awards are back – and this year with a brand new category, opening the competition up to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). At a time where business confidence has been hit by global economic uncertainty, the X Awards offers a unique opportunity for entrepreneurs to come together, develop important business skills, and be in with the chance of winning vital funding.

“We are proud to celebrate 15 years of championing entrepreneurs and supporting hundreds of UK businesses each year through the Santander X Awards programme. If your business is disruptive with the ability to grow or scale, look no further and apply today.”

Sarah Bailey, founder of Even, and Santander X Awards 2024 winner, said: “We first participated in the Santander X Awards in 2022 and loved the pitch training and community of founders so much, we returned in 2024 – and won! I highly recommend applying to any early-stage founders. The visibility and network has been exceptional, and the Santander X team have been incredibly generous with creating opportunities for Even.”

For more information, and to apply to enter the Santander X UK Awards 2025, visit Santander’s website. Applications close on July 16 2025.