Deadline Date: July 05, 2026
The Business Catalyst (Small) Grants programme provides targeted financial support to help jewellery, silversmithing, and allied trade micro-businesses in the United Kingdom grow, innovate, and move to the next stage of their development.
The focus areas of this grant include supporting creative and innovative business development in jewellery and silversmithing, enabling access to essential equipment such as IT tools, machinery, and production equipment, strengthening marketing and brand development through digital strategies such as website creation, brand identity, and product photography, and supporting the adoption of new processes, workshop improvements, and specialist mentoring to improve business operations and productivity.
This grant scheme is designed to assist sole traders and small businesses, particularly those in the jewellery, silversmithing, and allied industries, who demonstrate creativity and a clear plan for business growth. Applicants are expected to show that the funding will directly contribute to accelerating their progression to the next stage of their business journey, whether through product development, operational improvements, or market expansion.
To be eligible, applicants must be based in the United Kingdom and either be on the pathway to self-employment or already operating as a sole trader or micro-business, typically with a turnover of up to £75,000. Applicants must also have completed or recently undertaken a formal mentoring, consultancy, or business diagnostic programme within the past 12 months, such as those offered by recognised industry support organisations. In addition, applicants must hold a UK trading address and a UK bank account in the name of the business applying for the grant.
The programme places a strong emphasis on inclusivity and social mobility within the jewellery and silversmithing sectors. A portion of funding is reserved for applicants experiencing financial difficulty, including individuals receiving government support such as Disability Living Allowance, Personal Independence Payment, Universal Credit, and other listed income-related benefits. This ensures that the grant also supports emerging makers who may face financial barriers to business development.
Successful applicants receive a £2,000 grant, including VAT, which must be used within 12 months of receipt. The funding is intended strictly for future business development activities and cannot be used for past expenses. It is designed to enable practical progress such as purchasing tools, improving production capacity, launching new marketing initiatives, or adopting improved business processes.
Overall, the Business Catalyst (Small) Grants programme aims to strengthen creative enterprise within the UK’s jewellery and silversmithing sector by providing focused financial support that helps small businesses build capability, improve visibility, and progress toward sustainable growth.
For more information, visit The Goldsmiths’ Centre.
