NatWest launches new support community for military entrepreneurs
Both NatWest and X‑Forces Enterprise are Gold Armed Forces Covenant employers, reflecting their shared commitment to supporting the armed forces community. The initiative, launching ahead of Armed Forces Day (27 June), aims to support more service leavers, veterans and their families as the number of veteran‑owned businesses continues to grow across the UK.
For some, the transition from military to civilian life can present challenges, particularly when it comes to translating skills and accessing the right opportunities. Entrepreneurship is an increasingly important route: research supported by X-Forces Enterprise found that around 6% of small businesses in Great Britain are veteran-owned, representing approximately 340,000 veteran-led small businesses. These enterprises span sectors from defence, logistics and security to construction, retail, and hospitality plus many more.
Through the partnership, the armed forces community will receive tailored support via the NatWest Accelerator, including mentoring, expert guidance, peer networks and access to funding opportunities. A new dedicated section within the Accelerator app, created specifically for ex-military entrepreneurs and their families, will enable founders to connect, collaborate and share experiences.
Darren Pirie, head of accelerator and partnerships at NatWest, said: “The armed forces bring exceptional leadership, resilience and problem-solving skills to business. By working with X-Forces Enterprise, we want to remove barriers and help more ex-military founders turn their ambitions into successful, sustainable companies.”
Ren Kapur MBE, CEO at X-Forces Enterprise, said: “We are delighted to be the exclusive Armed Forces Community partner with NatWest on this important initiative. It is a great testament to Big Business supporting Small Business and offers our beneficiaries and the wider military community practical support to thrive, overcome hurdles and build resilience in a fast-changing economy.”
NatWest’s Accelerator community supports early-stage and high-growth businesses through a network of 14 UK hubs, alongside university partnerships and a calendar of pitch events where entrepreneurs can secure funding to help grow and scale their businesses. Participants also benefit from tailored mentoring, expert guidance and access to investor networks to support their long-term development.
Data from NatWest shows that businesses completing the Accelerator grow turnover by an average of 104% year-on-year, compared to 20% among a control group. Nine in ten Accelerator graduates are still trading after three years.
The initiative forms part of NatWest’s Growing Together plan, which focuses on supporting entrepreneurs, strengthening regional economies and unlocking business growth across the UK.
This work forms part of NatWest’s wider efforts to back UK entrepreneurs and strengthen regional growth through its Growing Together plan, which focuses on expanding opportunity, supporting innovation and helping businesses scale across the country. It also reinforces the bank’s long-standing commitment to the armed forces community. NatWest is a signatory of the Armed Forces Covenant and supports service personnel, veterans and reservists through employment pathways, dedicated programmes and tailored support designed to help them succeed both during and after military service.