Over 40 UK small businesses from food & drink, retail and consumer goods sectors pitched their businesses to a range of American buyers at the Great British Pitch USA this week, helping to drive export growth for the UK’s 5.7 million small businesses.
Recent research from the Small Business Institute showed growing ambition towards the US market amongst the UK’s small businesses, with nearly half (44%) of the 500+ companies surveyed saying they see North America as the international market with the greatest export opportunity for their product or service.
The research, based on responses from more than 500 small businesses, also highlights growing momentum behind UK exports, with one in five (20%) expecting to increase international sales over the next 12 months and 14% saying they feel very positive about exporting internationally. However, less than a third (29%) currently export to the North American market.
The Great British Pitch USA was hosted in central London, and enjoyed the support of the Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade. A number of government representatives attended the event, and guests were treated to speeches and insight from experts in the trade and export space including Kathy Kyle, Founder of DigiKind, and Commercial Counselor for the United States Embassy, Doug Jacobson.
Lord Sarwar, the Minister of State for Trade Policy, also addressed guests and spoke of the potential for exports between the UK and its American cousin.
Ahead of their pitches, businesses received tailored coaching, live mentoring and one-to-one support, alongside legal, regulatory and cultural workshops designed to help them become export-ready and prepared to trade with US businesses.
Small businesses account for 99% of all UK businesses and around half of private sector turnover, yet Government data released in September 2025 showed that just 17% of small businesses currently export their goods or services. The US remains the UK’s largest export market, importing more than £200 billion worth of UK goods and services each year, highlighting the significant opportunity for the UK’s 5.7 million small businesses.
Michelle Ovens CBE, CEO and Founder of Small Business Britain, said: “Small businesses have the ability to succeed on the world stage, and the desire we’re seeing to expand into the US market is hugely encouraging.
“The US holds enormous opportunity, with strong demand for our products and services, we need to capitalise on that by providing small businesses with the confidence and support to turn export opportunities into real growth. Helping more entrepreneurs trade successfully with the US will not only strengthen UK-US trade ties but ultimately support growth across the UK economy. I’m looking forward to seeing what success comes out of the Great British Pitch US for our British entrepreneurs.”
Minister for Trade Lord Anas Sarwar said: “The US is our single biggest trading partner, and initiatives like Great British Pitch USA show how working hand-in-hand with industry helps ambitious UK entrepreneurs get in front of buyers, win new business, and turn export ambition into export success.
“That's good for businesses, good for jobs, and good for growth in every postcode."
A number of small businesses reported immediate interest and follow-up conversations with buyers, with early-stage export deals already in motion. Following the event, all participating businesses will receive ongoing support, including further export training and bespoke matchmaking opportunities with relevant American businesses.
Great British Pitch USA forms part of the wider Great British Pitch series, which helps small businesses expand internationally through direct access to overseas buyers, trade experts and investors.
Later this year, businesses will also have the chance to pitch at the flagship Great British Pitch event that takes place during International Trade Week, supported by the Department for Business and Trade, connecting businesses with international buyers, trade experts, and investors in markets across the world.
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