Mastercard, Worldpay, and Mary Portas seek innovative, small businesses for Thrive Street 2025 retail festival

·        Thrive Street 2025 will spotlight 30 high-potential independent businesses, giving them curated retail space, expert mentoring, and national exposure

·        Applications from innovative, small and growing UK-based businesses are now open

·        Thrive Street 2025 will take place over two consecutive long weekends in October in Manchester and London

7 August 2025 | London and Manchester: Mastercard and Worldpay, in collaboration with retail expert Mary Portas, are seeking innovative and high-potential small businesses to take part in Thrive Street 2025, an initiative championing the vitality and diversity of Britain’s independent retail sector.

This new festival of independent retail will take place over successive long weekends in October at Altogether Otherwise in Manchester’s vibrant NOMA neighbourhood and at the Truman Brewery in London’s Shoreditch. Thrive Street 2025 will host up to up to 30 independent businesses chosen by Mary Portas and her team.

By day, these pop-up markets will be unmissable shopping destinations showcasing products with purpose, character and innovation made by small, community-minded businesses. By night, they will turn into hubs of insight and inspiration, with business masterclasses, expert panels and networking events open to all local entrepreneurs and retailers.

Applications for Thrive Street 2025 are now open. If you are running a small, growing and community or environmentally minded business that has reimagined a product or service in an innovative way, we want to hear from you. Please go to this link to apply.

Mary Portas OBE, retail expert and Thrive Street curator, said: "Small and growing businesses are the beating heart of our economy and the soul of our communities. They bring creativity, culture, and character to our high streets - and they need more than applause; they need real support. That’s why we created Thrive Street 2025 together with Mastercard and Worldpay. A space where brilliant independent brands can come together, be seen, be supported, and show the world what the future of business truly looks like.”

Simon Forbes, Division President, UK & Ireland, Mastercard, said: “Thrive Street 2025 is a celebration of commerce; connectivity and growth: in short the future of retail in the UK. I’m really looking forward to meeting and connecting with the businesses and entrepreneurs that Mary chooses and I’m really pleased that Mastercard UK is able to support them in their journey. At Mastercard, empowering small businesses to grow and thrive is at the heart of what we do, and this initiative is a perfect example of that commitment in action.”

Chris Wood, General Manager, SMB International, Worldpay, said: “The UK has a rich heritage of entrepreneurism and ingenuity, and at Worldpay we are dedicated to nurturing this spirit by empowering small businesses with the tools they need to grow. We are proud to support Thrive Street 2025 alongside Mastercard and Mary Portas, offering an opportunity for innovative independent businesses to redefine the retail landscape and showcase their unique offerings.”

Mastercard and Worldpay have long been committed to supporting small businesses in the UK.

Mastercard has been helping SMEs in the UK pay and get paid quickly and securely for more than 60 years and has helped connect over one million UK entrepreneurs to vital financial services, tools, and resources through its Strive programme launched in 2021.

Worldpay has been empowering UK small and growing businesses for decades with trusted, simple, and secure payment technology to meet the demands of the modern consumers in-store and online.  

About Thrive Street 2025

The new festival of independent retail, Thrive Street 2025, will take place over two successive long weekends in October. The event will be held at Altogether Otherwise in Manchester’s vibrant NOMA neighbourhood from October 17th to 19th, followed by a second weekend at the Truman Brewery in London’s Shoreditch from October 24th to 26th. Curated by Mary Portas and her team, Thrive Street 2025 will host up to 30 independent businesses.

Why Participate?

• Present your business in a premium, high-footfall retail environment, curated by industry leaders.
• Benefit from mentoring, masterclasses, and panel discussions designed to support long-term business growth.
• Connect with fellow entrepreneurs, industry experts, and new customers while increasing your brand’s visibility.

Eligibility Criteria

• Small and growing UK businesses with an annual turnover exceeding £150,000.
• Demonstrated innovation in products, services, or business operations.
• A track record of ambition and a commitment to future growth.
• Positive contributions to community wellbeing or sustainability.

How to apply

Please go to this link to request an application pack. Creative submissions are encouraged, and outstanding applicants will receive recognition throughout the campaign. Applications are now open.