NatWest has launched its £100,000 Pitch competition in Wolverhampton, urging entrepreneurs across the Midlands to apply for a share of the prize fund. The bank, which operates branches in Birmingham, is expanding its UK-wide competition to the region for the first time.
Competition details and timeline
The Wolverhampton final will take place on 10 September, with five finalists selected to pitch live for a share of £100,000. The winner will receive £70,000, second place £20,000, and third place £10,000. Entrants must be members of the free NatWest Accelerator community and submit a 60-second video pitch by 12 August. At the live event, finalists will deliver a three-minute pitch followed by up to seven minutes of questions from judges.
Addressing the funding gap
The competition aims to tackle one of the biggest challenges for early-stage businesses: access to capital. Since its launch in 2025, the Pitch has awarded nearly £400,000 across four events. Participants report increased confidence, stronger investor conversations, and accelerated hiring or product development. Through the NatWest Accelerator, founders gain coaching, peer-to-peer learning, and investor connections to help them move from early validation to investment readiness.
Expanding into the Midlands
Darren Pirie, Head of NatWest Accelerator, said: “Expanding the NatWest Accelerator Pitch to Wolverhampton is an exciting step in bringing more opportunities to entrepreneurs across the UK. The West Midlands is a region with huge potential, and this event allows us to connect founders with the funding, networks and support they need to scale.” He added that the launch strengthens NatWest’s existing presence with Accelerator hubs in Birmingham and at the University of Warwick, tapping into a dynamic business community and supporting regional growth priorities.
Further events and impact
Additional Pitch events are scheduled in London in November. The Wolverhampton final recognises the city’s growing role in the UK’s innovation ecosystem. Founders must join the NatWest Accelerator community via the app to enter. The competition provides enhanced access to funding, networks, and support in a region identified for strong growth potential and innovation pipeline.
