Santander to give £15,000 for free - see if you're eligible and how to apply

NewsSantander to give £15,000 for free - see if you're eligible and how to applyApplications for 2025 are now openleicestermercuryBookmarkShareCommentsNewsBySophie BuchanMoney and Lifestyle

Writer12:40, 29 MAY 2025Updated12:42, 29 MAY 2025BookmarkSantander has announced that applications are now open (Image: PAUL ELLIS/AFP via Getty Images)Get the latest Leicestershire Live

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Santander is giving early-stage startups and small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) across the UK the chance to compete for a share of £135,000 in funding and business support through the

Santander X Awards. As one of the UK’s largest pitching competitions for emerging businesses, the Santander X UK Awards has already delivered over £1.1 million in crucial 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:

early-stage businesses looking to grow SME: for growing businesses looking to scale

A total of 150 businesses (50 per category) will be shortlisted by September 1 with the shortlisted businesses joining a series of online pitch workshops. All 150 businesses will then pitch

through a series of online and in-person pitching heats to select the final nine (three per category).

On November 13, the nine finalists will present their pitches live at the National Final, held at Unity Place - Santander UK’s headquarters in Milton Keynes - before a distinguished 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.

MR Regnier 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.

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