Theo Paphitis #SBS Small Business Sunday
Celebrating Visibility, Community and Opportunity
If you’re building a business and wondering how to get seen, heard and recognised, Theo Paphitis #SBS Small Business Sunday is one of the most powerful visibility platforms in the UK.
Created by retail entrepreneur and much loved tv Dragon Theo Paphitis, #SBS shines a spotlight on small businesses doing exceptional work, helping them gain national recognition, commercial credibility and access to an incredibly supportive business community.
Much like the Enterprise Vision Awards, #SBS is rooted in celebrating real business journeys, championing founders and opening doors that might otherwise stay closed.
#SBS was launched by Theo Paphitis in 2010 as a way to support and promote small businesses across the UK.
Each week, entrepreneurs share their business on Theo’s social media platforms, Instagram, LinkedIn and X, using #SBS and tagging and following him. Theo personally reviews entries and selects six winners every Sunday, who are then welcomed into the #SBS community.
Winning businesses receive:
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National visibility across Theo’s social platforms
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Ongoing promotion and support
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Access to the #SBS winners network
- An invite to the annual #SBS Winners Event in Birmingham
It’s recognition that keeps working long after the winning post.
How to Enter #SBS
Entering is simple but strategic.
Each week:
- Post about your business on Theo’s social media accounts on Instagram, LinkedIn or X
- Tag and follow Theo and use the hashtag #SBS
- Share your story, products or services clearly
- Show passion, personality and purpose
Theo personally selects six winners and announces them the next day.
Consistency matters. Many winners enter multiple times before being chosen, so persistence pays off.
Why We Encourage Women to Enter
At EVAS, visibility is a core pillar of growth.
We encourage women to put themselves forward for opportunities that raise profile, build credibility and open commercial doors.
#SBS is one of those opportunities.
It’s accessible, supportive and powerful and it could be your first step onto a much bigger stage.
Retail entrepreneur, TV Dragon and creator of #SBS Small Business Sunday, Theo Paphitis is Chairman and Owner of Ryman, Robert Dyas, Boux Avenue and London Graphic Centre.
Born in Cyprus, Theo left school at 16 with no qualifications due to dyslexia, discovering his passion for retail at Watches of Switzerland. Over a 40 year career he has bought and transformed major high street brands and launched global lingerie label Boux Avenue.
Widely recognised from BBC Dragons’ Den, Theo is also a respected media voice on business and retail and supports charitable causes through the Theo Paphitis Charitable Trust.
He launched #SBS Small Business Sunday in 2010 to champion entrepreneurs, growing it into a national network of almost 4,500 small businesses, celebrated annually at the #SBS Winners Event in Birmingham.
The Annual #SBS Winners Event
Each year, #SBS winners are invited to the #SBS Event in Birmingham, a day dedicated to learning, networking and celebration.
The event brings together entrepreneurs, industry experts and partners, offering workshops, keynote speakers and invaluable connections.
For many, it’s the first time they realise the scale and strength of the community they’ve joined.
Coral’s #SBS Journey
Coral Horn is a three time #SBS winner, recognised across multiple brands she has founded and scaled.
Winning with three separate businesses is a testament to both her entrepreneurial drive and her commitment to building platforms that create impact.
She has attended almost every annual #SBS Winners Event, connecting with entrepreneurs from across the UK, building collaborations and continuing to champion the power of community led growth.
From #SBS to EVAS
We’re proud that many #SBS winners go on to become Enterprise Vision Awards finalists and winners.
The journey often starts with visibility; a post, a win, a confidence boost, and evolves into national recognition, industry leadership and commercial scale.
It’s proof that when women are seen, opportunity follows.
Ready to Put Yourself Forward?
If you’re building a business, growing a brand or scaling your impact, don’t stay hidden.
Share your story. Show your passion. Enter #SBS.
Because recognition starts with visibility, and visibility starts with showing up.