Towns across the UK can enter the Let’s Celebrate Towns competition, a joint initiative of Visa and Nationwide. Winning towns will each receive a £20,000 grant towards community-led projects or new initiatives that give small businesses a boost.
The competition is looking for a range of positive stories from towns across the country such as examples of brilliant entrepreneurship, fresh initiatives that help revive high streets, ideas that protect valued places, innovative ways communities are staying connected, and displays of local pride that make towns what they are.
For 2026 there are five categories:
- High Street Revival
- Backing Local Business
- Protecting Valued Places
- Connected Places
- Community Pride
The key focus of your entry should be showcasing the strength of your local community through examples and evidence. There will be one winner in each category who will win £20,000 for their town to use towards a community initiative. Applications can be made by MPs and local leaders, local authorities and town councils, community groups and organisations such as chambers of commerce.
Focus of fund/fund aims:
A competition with prizes of £20,000 for the winning towns.
Application deadline:
25 October 2026
Fund description:
https://www.visaeupromotions.com/lets-celebrate-towns-visa-nationwide/