The Launchpad Competition, supported by Lloyds, is an opportunity for ambitious Black founders to showcase their businesses, celebrate their achievements and access support designed to help them move forward.

If you’re building a Black-owned business and have clear ambitions for its future, Launchpad could help you turn your next big idea into your next stage of growth.

What does the winner receive?

The Launchpad winner will benefit from a tailored package combining business exposure, practical support, professional expertise and access to valuable networks.

The prize package includes:

• A complimentary exhibition stand at the next London UK Black Business Show — providing the winning founder with the opportunity to present their business to an engaged audience of business owners, professionals and potential customers.
• 12 months of tailored support from Lloyds — giving the founder access to guidance and support aligned with their business and growth journey.
• Access to the Lloyds and UK Black Business networks — including opportunities to make introductions, attend events and build connections that could support future growth.
• A legal consultation with Trowers & Hamlins — offering specialist legal insight to help the founder navigate the next stage of their business journey.

Backing Black business growth

Lloyds recognises the important role Black entrepreneurs play in the UK business community and is committed to helping founders access the knowledge, connections and resources that can support them in starting, growing and scaling their businesses.

Through its support for organisations including the UK Black Business Show, initiatives such as Launchpad and resources available through the Black Entrepreneurs Hub, Lloyds is helping entrepreneurs access opportunities that can support their ambitions.

“At Lloyds, we’re committed to helping Black entrepreneurs start, grow and scale successful businesses. Through our support for organisations such as the UK Black Business Show, initiatives like Launchpad, and resources available through our Black Entrepreneurs Hub, we’re helping founders access the knowledge, networks and opportunities they need to achieve their ambitions.”

— Khalia Ismain, Social Sustainability Director, Lloyds

Still thinking about applying?

There’s a good chance you’ve already seen the Launchpad Competition 2026 and thought about entering.

Perhaps you read about it, decided you would apply and even started the application.

Then business took over.

A customer needed something. A meeting ran late. A deadline changed. Another priority appeared. The application was pushed further down your to-do list.

That’s exactly why this is your reminder to come back to it.

Applications close on Friday 21 August 2026, with less than two weeks remaining to apply.

Running a business means constantly balancing what needs to happen today with what could make a difference tomorrow. It’s understandable that opportunities can get overlooked when your focus is on customers, operations, deadlines and everything else that comes with being a founder.

But waiting for a quieter week can mean waiting indefinitely.

If Launchpad is something you’ve considered, now is the time to give your application the attention it deserves.

You don’t have to have it all figured out

Your business doesn’t need to be perfect to enter.

Launchpad is about hearing from founders who are building something with purpose and ambition. What matters is being able to explain your business clearly, demonstrate why it matters and share where you want to take it next.

You don’t need every detail mapped out.

You simply need to put your business forward and tell us your story.

Think about what you’re building. The progress you’ve already made. The challenges you’re navigating. And, importantly, what additional support, visibility and connections could mean for the future of your business.

Take the next step and make it happen.

Applications for the Launchpad Competition 2026 close on Friday 21 August 2026.

If you’ve been telling yourself, “I should apply for that,” take this as your sign to finish your application and submit it.

Your business could be the next one to take centre-stage.

By Dominique