As SMEs continue to navigate rising costs, tighter cashflow and ongoing economic uncertainty, One Stop Business Finance (OSBF) has launched a new initiative designed to support business growth and demonstrate the impact that confidence and backing can have on long-term success.

The OSBF Opportunity Grant will provide one Yorkshire-based SME with £5,000 of funding, with no requirement to repay it.

Applications are now open and will close on 31 July 2026.

The grant has been launched in response to the increasing pressures facing SMEs across the UK, including rising operational costs, late payments, inflationary pressures and restricted access to finance.

According to Andrew Mackenzie, Managing Director of OSBF, the conversation around SMEs often focuses too heavily on risk and not enough on potential.

“We spend a lot of time talking about risk in business. Not enough time talking about potential,” said Andrew.

“If you spend time speaking to business owners, you’ll find no shortage of ambition and determination. What many are struggling with is the environment they’re operating in.”

“Costs continue to rise. Cashflow is under pressure. Confidence is being tested. Yet despite all of that, business owners continue to adapt and look for ways to move forward.”

Founded in 2014, OSBF has spent more than a decade supporting businesses through periods of growth, change and uncertainty. The company believes that outcomes improve when businesses are assessed with experience, judgement and a willingness to understand the full picture.

“Of course risk matters,” Andrew continued.

“But if every decision starts with reasons not to proceed, good businesses inevitably miss out. We believe there should be equal focus on potential, opportunity and what’s possible when businesses are given the right support at the right time.”

The Opportunity Grant has been created to put that belief into action.

Open exclusively to Yorkshire-based SMEs, the grant will provide £5,000 of funding to a business that can demonstrate how the money could help unlock an opportunity, overcome a challenge or support future growth.

Importantly, the funding is a genuine grant, not a loan, and comes with no repayment obligation.

“It’s about backing a business we believe in and demonstrating the difference that support can make. Sometimes the gap between standing still and moving forward is smaller than people think. It can be a piece of equipment, a new hire, a marketing campaign or simply having the confidence to take the next step,” said Andrew.

Applicants will be asked to explain how they would use the funding and outline their vision for the future of their business.

“We’re not looking for the biggest business or the most polished application,” Andrew added.

“We’re looking for ambition, potential and a clear sense of purpose. We want to hear from the people behind the business and understand what £5,000 could help them achieve.”

Applications for The OSBF Opportunity Grant are now open.

Businesses can apply by emailing grant@osbf.co.uk before 17 July 2026.