The Big Dreams Project
The Big Dreams Project has a clear ambition: to help 10,000 small businesses start or grow by 2030.
Why? Because Simply Business is passionate about enabling the success of small business owners – a vital community that makes up 99% of private sector businesses in the UK.
We’ll achieve our goal in a variety of ways – from campaigning for small business success, to supporting people to develop entrepreneurial skills and harnessing the talent and energy of our colleagues. We’ll focus on supporting small businesses in both the UK and US, where Simply Business operates. Each year, we’ll publish an impact report detailing our progress towards our ambition.
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Why small businesses need our help
Small businesses are the lifeblood of our economy and the bedrock of our local communities. They’re responsible for 60% of employment in the private sector and contribute £2.8 trillion in turnover to the UK economy each year.
But small business owners are facing an increasingly complex list of challenges – whether it’s high running costs, a lack of access to finance, or navigating rules and regulations.
For those that have an unsuccessful year, one in 10 could be forced to let staff go, while almost a fifth may have to cease trading, according to our SME Insights Report.
That’s why Simply Businesses is committed to helping turn big dreams into reality.
“Winning the Young Entrepreneur Fund grant and mentorship is an incredible boost for my practice. It gives me the opportunity to invest in additional equipment and expand my services, enhancing the care I provide and ultimately help more animals live happier, more comfortable lives.”
Emily Harris, Physio Vet Norfolk
Winner of Simply Business Young Entrepreneur Fund
How we’ll get there
Campaigning for small business success
Standing up for the topics small businesses owners care about, including commissioning research and providing guidance through our Knowledge Centre
Supporting people to develop entrepreneurial skills
Working with partners to support people from under-served communities start their own small business and learn key life skills, on our doorstep and beyond
Harnessing the skills and energy of our colleagues
Each year our workforce comes together to volunteer with our charity partners and directly with small business owners
How we’re turning big dreams into reality
Helping the next generation of young entrepreneurs
Our research in partnership with the Federation of Small Businesses found that while more than two thirds of young people want to be their own boss, just 16% are actually getting started.
That’s why we launched the Simply Business Young Entrepreneur Fund, offering 10 young people aged 18-30 the chance to win a £5,000 grant to help kick start their business, plus access to business support.
Breaking generational cycles of disadvantage
Working in partnership with Epic Future, we’ll be bringing their three-month programme to Northamptonshire for the first time – home to one of our Simply Business hubs and we’re supporting more than 50 young people to develop entrepreneurial skills.
Epic Future helps break generational cycles of disadvantage, focusing primarily on young people who are navigating the care system. They provide coaching, skills, mentorship, and the funding they need to launch successful businesses.
Raising funds for The King’s Trust
In 2025, the Trek team will be trekking across Portugal to raise money for The King’s Trust Enterprise programme.
The King’s Trust is working for young people, supporting 11- to 30-year-olds who are unemployed or struggling at school to get their lives on track. The money raised will help young entrepreneurs on the Enterprise programme to develop the skills and knowledge they need to launch and sustain their own businesses.
