Powering local businesses across the UK with Enterprise Nation

Small businesses play a vital role in communities across the UK. From high streets and industrial estates to home offices and market stalls - they support local economies, create jobs and bring people together. 

That’s why we’re proud to launch the second phase of our partnership with Enterprise Nation, building on a campaign that delivered meaningful impact for small businesses nationwide.

Building on a strong first year

Our first partnership with Enterprise Nation focused on powering the high street and helping small business owners access advice, inspirations from other business owners and an energy offer. The response exceeded expectations, with almost one million small businesses supported through the campaign.

We saw first‑hand how the right support at the right time can make a real difference. That success gave us confidence to go further and broaden our reach.

From the high street to local businesses everywhere

This next phase marks an important evolution in the partnership. We’re moving beyond the high street to power local businesses of every kind, extending our support to small business owners up and down the country, regardless of where they’re based or how they operate.

Whether you run a shop, a café, dentist or small manufacturing firm, the challenges may differ but the need for practical, accessible support remains the same. This new phase is designed to meet those needs with more activity, more resources and more opportunities to get involved.

What support is available this year?

Throughout the year, our partnership with Enterprise Nation will deliver a wide range of initiatives focused on growth, sustainability and resilience.

We're launching today with the opportunity to get involved in our Pop up shop.  If you're looking to get your products in front of new customers or to test out a retail space? The pop-up runs 29 June – 26 July in Duke's Lane, Brighton. You can apply here for your two-week slot within this period and application is now open until mid June. 

We’ll also shortly be launching our first or two grant programmes, offering FREE cash grants to help small businesses invest in sustainable growth. The first grant available will be five, £5k grants designed to provide financial support for upgrading to energy efficient equipment or investing in sustainable infrastructure. More to come on this shortly.

To support the move towards cleaner transport, we’re also offering five free EV chargers, supplied by Pod, helping businesses prepare for the future while reducing their environmental impact.

Our ongoing commitment to advice and community remain central to the partnership. A new series of the Retail Sessions Podcast will bring expert insight and real business stories to life, while a programme of lunch and learn sessions will tackle common challenges in short, accessible sessions that fit around busy working days.

Anything else? Later on in the year, we'll be opening applications for twenty five £1k cash grants to invest in sustainability and business resilience. Plus we be opening an additional pop up shop elsewhere in the country giving small businesses the chance to test a new location without the long‑term commitment.

Alongside this, we’ll continue to publish educational content designed to help small business owners build skills, confidence and resilience.

How to get involved

We’re launching the second phase with activity you can access straight away.

The new Powering Local Businesses hub brings everything together in one place, making it easy to explore the support on offer and find opportunities that suit your business. You can visit the hub here.

Applications are now open for our Brighton pop‑up shop, offering an opportunity for small businesses to experiment with retail, connect with new audiences and learn through hands‑on experience.

We’ve also released our first sponsored lunch and learn webinar, focusing on one of the most common questions facing small business owners: how to market your brand.

More sessions, content and opportunities will follow throughout the year.

Exclusive benefits for Enterprise Nation members

Enterprise Nation members will also benefit from our exclusive offer as part of the partnership. Sign up to a fixed tariff and earn up to £150 in Amazon vouchers, T&C’s apply and can be found on the webpage.

Explore the Enterprise Nation and EDF Small Business offer.

Why we’re partnering with Enterprise Nation

Enterprise Nation is the UK’s leading small business network and support provider, delivering support to more than 50,000 small businesses every month. Its mission is to help people turn good ideas into great businesses by providing expert advice, a comprehensive resources library, events, acceleration programmes and networking opportunities.

By working together, EDF Small Business and Enterprise Nation are combining practical expertise with meaningful support, making it easier for small businesses to access the tools and guidance they need to grow.

Looking ahead

Running a small business comes with daily decisions and long‑term ambitions. Through this partnership, we want to help businesses feel better supported as they plan for the future, adapt to change and continue contributing to their local communities.

We’re excited about what’s ahead and look forward to supporting even more small businesses across the UK over the coming year.

To explore the hub and get involved, visit:
https://www.enterprisenation.com/poweringlocalbusinesses/