Open call for Business Catalyst Grants 2025

Funded by philanthropic contributions from the Goldsmiths’ Company, these grants support skills development, business diversification, team training, and market expansion. Eligible applicants must demonstrate plans for growth, whether through increased sales, profitability, or creating new employment opportunities. Funds must be used within 12 months and can cover training, new collections, or participation in overseas exhibitions.

Grant amount available: Up to £7,000 (including VAT).
Applications close: Sunday 9 February 2025, 5 pm. 
Number of grants available: 2.

>> Guidelines and FAQ's

If you are a UK-based jeweller, silversmith, and allied industry practitioner with 5+ years of experience, you can apply for the Goldsmiths’ Centre’s Business Catalyst (Large) Grants of up to £7,000 (including VAT) to grow or expand your business.


>> Join our next informative sessions: Business Catalyst (Large) Grant: What to know before applying, 13, 15, 20, 22 Jan 2025, 12-1 pm (10 mins sessions), Free, Online


What are Business Catalyst (Large) Grants?

Our Business Catalyst (Large) Grants help entrepreneurial jewellers, silversmiths and allied industry practitioners who are resident in the UK and have growth plans for their business to access financial support to make these a reality. These grants have been funded by philanthropic giving from current members of the Goldsmiths’ Company.

Funds of up to £7,000 (including VAT), which must be spent within 12 months of being received, can be used to help you:
 

• adopt new skills and processes by accessing a programme of technical or business skills training within the Goldsmiths’ Centre or our partners’ portfolios, or an internship with a master craftsperson.
• develop your team and provide new training for existing staff to ensure that the business can specialise or grow through additional knowledge and expertise. 
• create new services or diversify your portfolio of work through developing a new collection intended for production in the UK or experimenting with collaborators.
• expand your client base and make leaps into new markets or geographical areas by taking part in overseas exhibitions, selling opportunities, or building new partnerships.

All proposals must demonstrate a commitment to successful business growth – whether this is an increase in sales, productivity or profitability, or the potential to create new employment opportunities and an improvement in business processes.

You must practise in the UK for 5 years following receipt of your grant and must make a minimum of a 10% financial contribution towards the overall project cost. You are also expected to contribute to the Goldsmiths’ Centre’s programmes, through documenting your projects and mentoring within two years of completion. In doing so, you will share your knowledge and experience with other members of the industry and start-ups, thereby enriching the industry as a whole.


Who can apply?

The grants are open to people who:
 

• are employed full time by their own Limited company (or if part time as 0.6 working week minimum), or as sole trader/self-employed, or micro business in the jewellery, silversmithing or allied industries.
• are located and have a trading address in the UK with permanent right to remain if originally from overseas, this will need to be evidenced. They must have a UK bank account in the exact name they apply in and have the intention to remain resident in the UK for 5 years following receipt of the grant.
• typically employ no more than 2 people (full-time or on a part-time equivalent), including yourself, and have a turnover up to £150,000.
• are part of a small group of practitioners who usually collaborate in their work or create work together. In this instance, all individuals in the group must submit their own application and can only apply for one grant for their joint project. Organisations cannot apply, and individuals cannot apply on behalf of an organisation.
• are in a financial position to contribute a minimum of 10% of the overall project cost. Proof of this funding will be required before the grant is made. Contributions in-kind, such as your time, will not be counted for this purpose.
• have a minimum of 5 years of relevant business experience.