Final Month to apply for the Goldsmiths’ Centre Business Catalyst (Small) Grants

18 June 2026

The Goldsmiths’ Centre launches Business Catalyst (Small) Grants for emerging jewellery and silversmithing businesses

The Goldsmiths’ Centre in London is encouraging emerging jewellery, silversmithing and allied trade businesses across the UK to apply for its Business Catalyst (Small) Grants. Each year, up to ten sole traders and small businesses will receive a £2,000 (including VAT) grant designed to help them take the next step in their creative and commercial development.

Funded by the Goldsmiths’ Foundation, the programme supports jewellers and silversmiths who have completed a formal mentoring programme, business consultancy or diagnostic programme within the past 12 months and demonstrate creativity alongside a clear plan for business growth.

The Business Catalyst (Small) Grants reflect the Goldsmiths’ Centre’s commitment to supporting inclusivity and social mobility within the jewellery and silversmithing industries. The grants are intended to help businesses invest in essential equipment, specialist tools, marketing activity or professional development that will accelerate their progress to the next stage of their practice.

By providing accessible funding at a critical stage of business development, the programme helps makers turn ambition into sustainable commercial practice. Applications for the current round close on Sunday 5 July 2026 at 5pm.

Previous recipients have used the funding to strengthen their studio practice, invest in essential equipment, and expand their technical skills and production systems, enabling them to expand capacity, improve efficiency and develop new collections. For example, Monica Findlay is investing in core tools to develop larger-scale silversmithing work, while Freya Douglas Ferguson has purchased a rolling mill to expand her jewellery practice, and Heather Blake is using an engraver spindle to deepen her lapidary work.

Others, such as Makila Nsika Nkaya and Katie Watson, are developing new collections and improving production processes, while Estelle Melissa Burton is enhancing her studio practice to support international growth.

Julia Skilton, Grants and Engagement Manager for the Goldsmiths’ Centre, said:

“The Business Catalyst (Small) Grants are designed to provide focused, flexible support at a pivotal moment in a maker’s journey. By investing in the tools and skills they need most, we help emerging businesses build resilience, grow sustainably and bring their creative ideas to market.”

About the Goldsmiths’ Centre

At the Goldsmiths’ Centre, we support the jewellery and silversmithing industry to embrace learning as an essential lifelong practice. Our mission is to foster capability at every link in the chain, making ongoing professional development visible and accessible to all.

Through technical courses and business support, affordable workspace, funding opportunities and events, we aim to close the industry’s skills gap so that creativity, craftsmanship and community can thrive.

For further information on the Goldsmiths’ Centre, visit: goldsmiths-centre.org | Instagram: @gsmithscentre | LinkedIn: the-goldsmiths-centre

About the Goldsmiths’ Foundation

The Goldsmiths’ Foundation is a philanthropic organisation that supports vocational and technical training in the creative industries.

The Goldsmiths’ Foundation focuses on advancing creative, technical and vocational skills, education and training in the craft and trade of goldsmithing, silversmithing and jewellery—as well as the wider creative industries and other fields—through grants, advocacy and support to charity partners.

For further information on the Goldsmiths’ Foundation, visit: www.thegoldsmiths.co.uk/foundation
Application guidelines and FAQs, are available via the Goldsmiths’ Centre website. Support is available by phone on 020 7566 7650 or by email at applications@goldsmiths-centre.org