Deadline: 09-Jan-2026
The Green Growth Awards and Green Growth 100, launched by Small Business Britain in partnership with BT, celebrate UK small businesses using sustainability to drive growth and resilience. Selected businesses gain national recognition, with two winners each receiving a £5,000 grant at a BT-hosted awards event in March 2026.
Small Business Britain, in partnership with BT, has launched the Green Growth Awards and Green Growth 100 to recognise and promote UK small businesses that are successfully combining sustainability with commercial growth. The initiative showcases how environmentally responsible practices can improve efficiency, strengthen customer relationships, and enhance long-term business performance.
About the Green Growth Initiative
The Green Growth initiative is designed to highlight practical, scalable sustainability actions taken by small businesses across the UK. By spotlighting real-world success stories, the programme aims to encourage more small enterprises to adopt greener practices as a core business strategy rather than a compliance exercise.
Programme Objectives
The Green Growth Awards and Green Growth 100 aim to:
-
Celebrate small businesses embedding sustainability into their growth strategies
-
Demonstrate the commercial benefits of environmentally responsible practices
-
Inspire wider adoption of sustainable business models across the UK
-
Support innovation, resilience, and future-focused entrepreneurship
What Is the Green Growth 100?
The Green Growth 100 is a curated list of one hundred inspiring UK small businesses that are leading the way in sustainable growth. These businesses are recognised for measurable actions that reduce environmental impact while strengthening commercial performance.
Key Sustainability Focus Areas
Businesses selected for the Green Growth 100 typically demonstrate leadership in:
-
Waste reduction and circular economy practices
-
Energy efficiency and energy savings
-
Sustainable and ethical supply chains
-
Eco-friendly product or service development
-
Resource efficiency and emissions reduction
-
Customer engagement through sustainability-led branding
Why This Initiative Matters
The Green Growth programme matters because it:
-
Challenges the perception that sustainability limits profitability
-
Highlights sustainability as a driver of innovation and efficiency
-
Encourages small businesses to future-proof against regulatory and market changes
-
Builds a national narrative around green growth and responsible entrepreneurship
Who Is Eligible?
The initiative is open to:
-
UK-based small businesses
-
Entrepreneurs embedding sustainability into their operations, products, or services
-
Businesses demonstrating that green practices contribute to growth, resilience, or efficiency
Specific size or sector restrictions are not stated, but the focus is on small businesses operating in the UK.
Awards and Recognition
Businesses selected for the Green Growth 100 receive:
-
National recognition as sustainability-led growth leaders
-
Inclusion in promotional storytelling and awareness campaigns
-
An invitation to an exclusive awards event hosted by BT
Green Growth Awards
From the Green Growth 100, two exceptional businesses will be selected as Green Growth Award winners.
Each award includes:
-
A £5,000 cash grant to accelerate sustainability initiatives
-
High-profile recognition at the awards event
-
Additional visibility through Small Business Britain and BT platforms
Additional runner-up prizes will also be awarded, providing non-cash recognition and support for other standout businesses.
Awards Event
-
Host: BT
-
Timing: March 2026
-
Attendees: Green Growth 100 businesses, partners, and stakeholders
The event serves as both a celebration and a networking opportunity for sustainability-focused small businesses.
How the Programme Works
-
Small businesses demonstrating sustainability-led growth are identified or selected.
-
One hundred businesses are named to the Green Growth 100.
-
All selected businesses are invited to the awards event.
-
Two businesses receive Green Growth Awards and £5,000 grants.
-
Additional runner-up recognitions are announced.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
-
Treating sustainability as a one-off initiative rather than a business strategy
-
Failing to measure or articulate the business impact of green actions
-
Overlooking customer engagement and storytelling around sustainability
-
Assuming sustainability only applies to large enterprises
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the Green Growth 100?
It is a list of 100 UK small businesses recognised for using sustainability to drive business growth.
Who runs the Green Growth Awards?
The initiative is led by Small Business Britain in partnership with BT.
What do Green Growth Award winners receive?
Two winners each receive a £5,000 grant and national recognition.
When is the awards event?
The awards event will be hosted by BT in March 2026.
Are there non-cash prizes?
Yes, additional runner-up prizes offering recognition and support will be awarded.
Does sustainability need to be profitable?
Yes, the programme highlights businesses proving that sustainability and profitability can go hand in hand.
Is this initiative only about environmental impact?
No, it also focuses on business growth, resilience, efficiency, and customer engagement.
Conclusion
The Green Growth Awards and Green Growth 100 showcase how UK small businesses are turning sustainability into a competitive advantage. By celebrating practical, growth-driven green innovation, Small Business Britain and BT aim to inspire a nationwide movement of stronger, more resilient, and future-ready small businesses that benefit both the economy and the planet.
For more information, visit Small Business Britain.