SmartStart Fund 2024

Kickstart Your Idea.
Build Smart.

Get the Support You Need.

Win £1,000 + 3 Coaching Sessions (£450) + A Business Audit (£1,500) to start your business the right way.

Application closes soon • UK immigrant founders only

Why We Created This

In partnership with

Diaspora Acceleration Network

Starting a business in the UK as an immigrant is not easy. You have big dreams, but you also face big challenges—like finding money, getting advice, and knowing the right steps.

The SmartStart Fund is here to help.

Sometimes all you need is:

✔ A little money to start

✔ A clear plan

✔ A coach who understands your journey

This is not just cash. It is a way to give your idea real momentum.

Who Can Apply


You live in the UK

You identify as an immigrant

founder or aspiring founder

You have a business idea (or

just launched)

You are okay with a short

spotlight if you win

What You'll Get

One Winner Will Receive:

£1,000 in funding to start your idea

✅ 3 private coaching sessions with our expert

✅ A 1:1 CORE Business Audit to plan your growth

✅ A feature on our social media

✅ Lifetime access to our Founders community

✅ Email exposure to 3,000+ people

10 Runners-Up Will Get:


🟢 6 months mentoring access

🟢 Access to our founder community

🟢

How to Apply


1

2

✔ Join the Can.DID email list

(it's automatic)

3

✔ Share the campaign on

Instagram or LinkedIn

(we'll send you the graphic and caption)

Testimonials

Application Timeline

Application Timeline

Follow these important dates for your chance to win

📅 August 8, 2025

Applications Open

Start submitting your applications for the competition. Don't wait until the last minute!

August 31, 2025

Applications Close

Last day to submit your application. All entries must be received by midnight.

🔍 September 1-11, 2025

Application Review

Our panel carefully evaluates all submissions based on the judging criteria.

🎉 September 12, 2025

Winners Announced

Successful applicants will be notified and announced on our website and social media.

Apply & Get a FREE Starter Pack

Worth £1,00

Includes exclusive resources to guide your founder journey, even if you're not selected!

Clarity Roadmap

Step-by-step

guide to define

your vision

& strategy

Founder Guidebook

Actionable

workbook to help

you move from

idea to execution

Tools, templates

& checklists

curated by experts

Bonus Resources

0+ Happy Clients
$0K+ Rewards
0+ Reviews

Why Apply

This is more than money. It's money plus coaching and a plan to make your business work.

Stop building in the dark. Start building smart.

Apply Now

✅ Ready to take your idea seriously?

Apply now for a chance to win £1,000 + expert coaching + a clear plan to grow.