The Goldsmiths’ Centre Opens Second Round of 2026 Business Catalyst (Small) Grants
The Goldsmiths’ Centre in London is inviting applications from emerging jewellery, silversmithing and allied trade businesses across the UK for the second round of its 2026 Business Catalyst (Small) Grants. Funded by the Goldsmiths’ Foundation, the programme awards up to ten sole traders and small businesses each year with grants of £2,000 (including VAT) to invest in the equipment, specialist skills, marketing or professional development needed to strengthen their businesses. Open to those who have completed a formal mentoring programme, business consultancy or business diagnostic within the past 12 months, the grants are designed to help ambitious jewellers and silversmiths translate creative potential into sustainable commercial success.
Reflecting the Goldsmiths’ Centre's commitment to supporting inclusivity and social mobility within the jewellery and silversmithing industries, the Business Catalyst (Small) Grants provide vital funding at a pivotal stage of business development. Previous recipients have used the grants to invest in specialist equipment, improve production processes and develop new collections. Recent awardees include Monica Findlay, who is investing in tools for larger-scale silversmithing, Freya Douglas Ferguson, who has expanded her jewellery practice with a rolling mill, and Heather Blake, who is enhancing her lapidary work with an engraver spindle. Applications for the current round close at 5pm on Sunday 11 October 2026.
“The Business Catalyst (Small) Grants are about giving emerging businesses the confidence and practical support to move forward. A relatively small investment at the right time can unlock significant progress, whether that's improving production, expanding creative capability or creating new opportunities for growth. We're excited to see how this year's applicants will use the funding to shape the future of their businesses.”
– Julia Skilton, Grants and Engagement Manager for the Goldsmiths’ Centre
“The Goldsmiths’ Centre’s Business Catalyst (Small) Grant enabled the purchase of a lathe to create the fixtures, fittings and surface textures that I simply couldn't achieve by hand. I worked with a fantastic ex-naval engineer to rebuild it. What started as a help setting up a machine has turned into ongoing mentorship.”
– Estelle Burton, Business Catalyst (Small) Grant 2025 recipient
Full application guidance, eligibility criteria and FAQs are available on the Goldsmiths’ Centre website at www.goldsmiths-centre.org/apply-for-grants/business-catalyst-small-grants. For further information or support with an application, contact the team on 020 7566 7650 or email applications@goldsmiths-centre.org.