Subscribe to our newsletter to receive business tips, learn about new funding programmes, join upcoming events, take e-learning courses, and more.
Take the first step to successfully starting and growing your business.
Join for free)
Posted: Fri 11th Jul 2025
If you're a small business with a big idea for a product, this could be your moment.
Alibaba.com, one of the world's largest B2B e-commerce platforms, is bringing its CoCreate Pitch competition to Europe for the very first time, landing in London on 14 November 2025 – and you're invited to take part.
CoCreate is a highly successful SME-focused trade event. Since 2023, it's been hosted in Las Vegas, bringing together more than 2,000 North American SMEs under one roof to collaborate, forge sourcing relationships and unlock growth.
Building on the momentum of its Las Vegas event – which is expected to welcome more than 3,000 attendees this year – Alibaba.com is expanding its global footprint with the launch of its first CoCreate event in Europe this year.
Fundamental to CoCreate's success is CoCreate Pitch, the world's biggest product-based pitch challenge, with a $1 million global prize pool up for grabs.
And this year, thanks to a brand-new partnership with Enterprise Nation, the event is set to become an unmissable opportunity for small businesses in the UK that are ready to scale.
Think Dragons' Den – but on a global scale, and with a supply chain superpower behind it.
Launched as part of Alibaba.com's annual CoCreate event, this pitch competition is designed for entrepreneurs and small businesses with product dreams.
Two Grand Champions (Las Vegas and London) get the chance to win up to $200,000 (half cash, half Alibaba.com sourcing credits) to supercharge their ideas into market-ready products.
Twenty other global finalists will also receive up to $40,000 each – and all participants will gain free access to Alibaba.com's AI-powered sourcing tools and supplier network.
That means faster prototyping, smarter sourcing and less stress on your supply chain.
If you've been feeling the pinch of supply chain disruption, you're not alone.
The UK's small businesses continue to grapple with rising production costs, shipping delays and supplier uncertainty. From sourcing raw materials to managing inventory, these challenges can slow growth and stifle innovation.
That's why access to tools that simplify sourcing and connect you to a global supplier network – like those offered through Alibaba.com – is more important than ever.
And yet resilience is thriving. According to Alibaba.com's own data, UK B2B buyers on the platform surged by 53% in the past year, showing that businesses are still moving forward and seeking smarter ways to grow.
Whether you're an early-stage start-up or a seasoned seller ready to launch your next big thing, CoCreate Pitch gives you the tools, funding and mentorship to do just that – with global backing behind you.
Getting involved is simple – and fun!
To enter, just:
post a 30-second video to Instagram or TikTok telling your business story or showcasing your product
use the hashtag #CoCreatePitch and tag @Alibaba.com_official
Or, you can skip the socials and apply directly at Alibaba.com's CoCreate pitch page.
UK and European finalists will pitch live on stage at the London event in November, where a panel of investors and industry leaders will choose the winners. Submissions will be evaluated on innovation, feasibility and market potential.
While the prize money is truly game-changing, you're also gaining access to Alibaba.com's global network of suppliers, cutting-edge AI tools and a platform built to help small businesses go big without losing control.
From reducing manufacturing headaches to reaching new international customers, CoCreate is about unlocking real-world growth.
And with Enterprise Nation as the UK partner, you'll be supported every step of the way – from application tips to pitch-perfect preparation. Here are some useful Enterprise Nation resources to help you successfully pitch your business:
