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 20th Oct 2023
We set up our Enterprise Nation Fund to recognise small business owners whose work is driven by their values.
Under the competition, there are three winners across three categories, selected based on Enterprise Nation's own values. Each winner will receive a £5,000 grant, mentoring with an expert entrepreneur and a bundle of business support prizes.
Over 4,500 people applied to the fund and we shortlisted 10 small businesses in each category. The 30 small businesses then competed in a public vote which narrowed down three finalists in each category.
The mentors in each category then selected the final winners, based on the businesses for whom they feel they can add the most value.
Let's introduce you to those winners...
Her Sport has a digital community of over 160,000 people who are passionate about creating cultural change for women in sports.
Founder Niamh Tallon says on winning:
"The team at Her Sport are so excited to have been selected as grant winners and to receive support from Enterprise Nation and TikTok!
"We can't wait to learn from Emma as a mentor and from the team at TikTok. We're on a mission to create cultural change for girls and women in sport and know that the advice on this programme can help us level up in terms of our delivery and bring Her Sport to another level."
As part of the prize, Niamh will receive 12 months of mentoring from Emma Jones, founder of Enterprise Nation.
Shroot creates eco-friendly, biodegradable greeting cards that come with everything you need to grow microgreens, including the pot – just add water. It's a gift, card, experience and snack all in one.
Managing director Olly Tyler says:
"Winning the Enterprise Nation competition feels unreal! It's a huge nod to the hard work we've put into Shroot and our dedication to a greener future.
"This prize isn't just funds – it's belief in our vision. We're buzzing with excitement and can't wait to see where this journey takes us next."
Olly will receive mentorship from pioneering entrepreneur Timothy Armoo.
A PhD biologist by profession, Dr Evanthia Samota creates natural cosmetics with sustainable ingredients and eco-friendly packaging.
Evanthia says:
"I feel honoured and grateful to have been awarded this life-changing opportunity. I've been working extremely hard to provide excellent natural cosmetics to help others reach their skin and hair goals and help them better understand the ingredients in their cosmetics.
"With this award and all the benefits included, I can't wait to see how it can help propel Piotis Naturals to the next level so we can continue to improve and excel.
"The mentorship from Mike Turner, who operates in a complementary field to my natural cosmetics business, will be a game-changing opportunity.
"It will allow me to continue improving how I help people achieve healthy and radiant skin and hair."
Evanthia will be mentored by Mike Turner, co-founder of eco-conscious, indie tea brand Bird & Blend Tea Co.
Each winner will receive a £5,000 grant from Enterprise Nation and 12 months mentorship with expert entrepreneurs, along with the following:
A meeting with a dedicated TikTok Ads Specialist at TikTok's London office, where they'll create a tailored media plan
A Dell laptop
£500 credits to spend on VistaPrint.co.uk
A Santander Navigator 'Prepare' package, worth £1,800 of international growth support
A 12-month Adobe Creative Cloud All Apps membership, worth £596
Congratulations to the three winners! To be kept up to date on the latest grant opportunities, become an Enterprise Nation member today.
