About the programme
Small businesses are the engine of innovation in the UK.
The Amazon Innovation Accelerator is designed to give small business leaders structure and a supportive environment to explore innovation in their business. It helps them develop practical solutions that grow their business and increase its productivity.
Through the programme, businesses identify practical opportunities to innovate within their day-to-day operations, products or services. They build a clear, realistic plan for action using Amazon’s Working Backwards framework.
They join a growing movement of ambitious business leaders who are serious about productivity and growth. It’s a community focused on working smarter, using innovation well, and building stronger, more resilient businesses across the UK.
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99%
of SMEs attending would recommend AIA. -
88%
customer satisfaction score -
30%
uplift in customer-centric innovation among programme participants
What programme alumni say
“Seeing other sectors approach similar challenges gave me practical ideas I’d never considered.”
Becky Martin of Boo Coaching
“I took actionable insights back and applied them into our own factory.”
Alistair Aitken, GB Belting
Learn how innovation can unlock your next stage of growth
Programme benefits
What's in it for you?
Behind-the-scenes access
Step inside an Amazon fulfilment centre and see how world-class productivity and innovation operate in practice.
Proven innovation framework
Get hands-on training and a live demo of Amazon’s Working Backwards framework, and learn how to apply it in your own business.
A powerful network
Join a network of ambitious SME leaders to share challenges, test ideas and learn what’s really working.
Funding to make it happen
Apply for a share of a £100,000 Innovation Grant to turn ideas into action and drive real change.
Amazon Innovation Awards
Amazon Innovation Awards Ceremony 2026
Upon finishing of the Amazon Innovation Accelerator, business leaders will have the opportunity to apply for the Amazon Innovation Awards in one of the four categories.
The Amazon Innovation Accelerator Awards 2026 are the culmination of the work you invested in strengthening your own culture of innovation, and a concrete chance to secure £25,000 in funding through one of the four AIA 2026 award categories:
Product Innovation Award (£25,000)
For new or significantly improved products/services.
Operational Excellence Award (£25,000)
For operational improvements that increased productivity, reduced costs, or improved quality.
Social Value Award (£25,000)
For innovations that reduce environmental impact or improve social value.
Culture of Innovation Award (£25,000)
For unique approach to culture building within a mid-size business environment.
How does it work?
A day at a Amazon fulfilment centre
Step behind the scenes at an Amazon fulfilment centre and see innovation in action. Explore cutting-edge robotics and automation, and take part in high-quality workshops where you’ll get the rulebook for innovation: the Working Backwards framework.
6-week innovation sprint
Action is what drives change. Take what you’ve learned and apply it to your own business challenge. You’ll work alongside an accountability partner, a fellow business owner on the same journey, and get access to extra resources from Amazon, including AWS credits and more.
Amazon Innovation Awards
At the end of the sprint, you can submit your innovation proposal for a chance to access a share of the £100,000 Innovation Grant and turn your ideas into real impact.
Part of the movement
Graduate from the programme and join a nationwide network of innovation champions - sharing best practice, learning from peers, and helping build stronger, more resilient businesses across the UK.
Eligibility criteria
Who should apply?
The programme is ideal for UK-based small and medium-sized businesses who:
Have turnover of £1M in the previous financial year
Are the primary owner or a key decision-maker of the business
Want to improve productivity, operations or customer experience
Are curious about innovation, automation or digital tools
You don’t need to be a tech company. Past participants include manufacturers, food and drink businesses, professional services, healthcare, creative industries and more.
