NatWest has unveiled plans to dramatically scale its Accelerator programme, targeting 50,000 entrepreneur members across the UK in 2026—a fivefold increase from its 10,000 ambition set for 2025.
The ambitious expansion follows an exceptional 2025 performance, during which the bank surpassed expectations by supporting approximately 12,000 community members. This single-year achievement exceeded the total number of entrepreneurs the bank had assisted over the previous decade combined, demonstrating the programme's accelerating momentum and impact.
The announcement is part of NatWest's comprehensive five-point "Growing Together" plan, which outlines the bank's strategy to create conditions for nationwide economic growth. The plan focuses on backing regional powerhouses, championing mid-market enterprises, strengthening infrastructure and housing foundations, boosting financial confidence among families and young people, and supporting innovators driving the future economy.
NatWest's Accelerator community is structured around peer networks, local cohorts, and direct access to experts, mentors, and investors—all designed to help early-stage and high-growth businesses launch, scale, and thrive in competitive markets.
Performance data released by the bank reveals compelling results: businesses completing the Accelerator programme achieved 104% year-on-year turnover growth, compared to just 20% among a control group. Additionally, nine out of ten Accelerator participants remain operational three years later, versus only four out of ten in the control group.
"We know that to build the economy of the future we need to back the innovators who will power it," said Robert Begbie, CEO of Commercial & Institutional Banking at NatWest Group. "Entrepreneurs are the driving force behind innovation, job creation and long-term economic growth across the UK. By raising our ambition for 2026, and building on the momentum we achieved in 2025, we're reinforcing our commitment to back founders at every stage—from idea to scaleup—and help them turn ambition into sustainable success."
The initiative has garnered strong support from government and business leaders. Blair McDougall, Minister for Small Business, praised the commitment as "the exact kind of action we need to unlock the huge potential of small businesses up and down the country."
Aaron Asadi, CEO of Enterprise Nation, emphasized NatWest's leadership position: "No other bank is doing more for UK small businesses than NatWest. The commitment to support 50,000 entrepreneurs in 2026 is remarkable but such is the strength of the ambition."
Shevaun Haviland, Director General of the British Chambers of Commerce, added: "Expanding the Accelerator programme will give more founders access to the practical advice and peer networks they need to grow with confidence."
The NatWest Accelerator integrates multiple initiatives designed to connect founders with essential resources:
University Partnerships and Hubs: NatWest has established partnerships with the Universities of Manchester, Oxford, York, Brighton, and Warwick to create Accelerator Hubs on campuses. The bank plans to expand to up to 10 university hubs over the next three years, delivering locally tailored interventions to meet regional needs.
Accelerator Journeys: High-potential startups receive expert support, networking opportunities, and tools through 12 UK hubs and the NatWest Accelerator App. The bank collaborates with Google to provide access to digital tools, training, and specialist expertise.
Pitch Events and Forums: Entrepreneurs gain opportunities to showcase ideas, build networks, and access funding through events held across the UK.
Leeds-based production company Mood Films exemplifies the programme's impact. After launching in September 2024, the founders joined the Accelerator and gained access to co-working spaces and one-to-one coaching. Louis Jones, Co-Founder and Director of Photography at Mood Films, stated: "Joining the NatWest Accelerator was one of the best decisions we ever made for our business. We came onto the accelerator as two filmmakers trying to grow a business with very little understanding of what it would take from a business perspective, and with NatWest's support we have grown to be founders that fully understand all areas of our business."
Through its entrepreneur support framework, NatWest focuses on capital and research-intensive sectors critical to UK competitiveness, helping founders build resilient businesses capable of adapting, scaling, and achieving sustainable growth.