National Enterprise Network unites government, business leaders and SMEs to address funding crisis and chart path forward
As over two in five small businesses cite tax burden as a barrier to growth and demand for support services intensifies, National Enterprise Network has convened a landmark conference bringing together the Department for Business and Trade, business support organisations, and small business owners to confront the sector’s most pressing challenges head-on.
The conference, held as Q1 results reveal firms’ pressing need for more financial support over the next 12 months, created a rare space for honest dialogue about the realities facing Britain’s 5.5 million small businesses. With a notable rise in the use of grants, government loans, bank loans, and equity finance highlighting growing reliance on external funding, the event tackled funding constraints, increasing demand, and the sustainability of support services with unprecedented candour.
Panel discussions moved beyond policy rhetoric to explore what is actually working on the ground. Contributors from across the business support ecosystem emphasised that partnership working and strong local leadership are not optional extras but essential foundations for maintaining service quality and building the trust that small businesses desperately need during uncertain times.
The conference brought together voices often heard separately – policymakers setting funding priorities, support organisations delivering services daily, and the entrepreneurs experiencing the impact firsthand. This convergence enabled frank conversations about resource gaps, service duplication, and the coordination needed to ensure every pound of support reaches those who need it most.
“This conference demonstrated the vital role that collaboration plays in supporting small businesses across the country. By bringing together business support organisations, government, and enterprises themselves, we’ve created a platform for honest dialogue about both the challenges we face and the solutions we can deliver together. The strength of local leadership and trusted partnerships will be crucial as we work to ensure small businesses have access to the quality support they need to thrive,” said Alex Till, chair of National Enterprise Network.
With concerns about the domestic economy affecting 69.6% of small businesses and various challenges affecting financial performance and workforce issues, the timing of this cross-sector dialogue proves critical. The conference outcomes will inform how support organisations, funders, and government bodies coordinate their efforts as businesses enter Q2 planning and prepare for the challenges ahead.
For business support organisations, the event provided validation of their frontline insights whilst highlighting opportunities for stronger collaboration. For policymakers, it offered unfiltered feedback on how funding decisions translate into real-world impact. For small business owners, it demonstrated that their voices are being heard at the highest levels and that the sector is mobilising to address systemic pressures.
National Enterprise Network is now working with conference participants to translate discussions into actionable partnerships and coordinated support initiatives that will strengthen the ecosystem for Britain’s small businesses throughout 2026 and beyond.