#SBS Celebrates 15 Years with Mental Health Campaign in Partnership with Able Futures

To mark its 15th anniversary, #SBS Small Business Sunday, created by retail entrepreneur Theo Paphitis, is launching a powerful new campaign in partnership with Able Futures, aimed at supporting the mental health of small business owners across the UK.

The initiative highlights a critical issue often overlooked in the entrepreneurial world: the mental wellbeing of those who run their own businesses. While entrepreneurship can be exciting and fulfilling, it can also be isolating, stressful and emotionally draining. #SBS is taking a bold step to ensure its community of small business owners feels supported, heard and empowered.

“If you can’t show up for yourself, you cannot show up for your business,” says Theo Paphitis, underlining the importance of mental health in sustaining both personal and professional success.

The campaign is being delivered in collaboration with Able Futures, led by Ingeus to deliver the Access to Work Mental Health Support Service on behalf of the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP). Able Futures offers up to nine months of no-cost, confidential mental health support to anyone experiencing mental health challenges while working, including small business owners.

Support is tailored to individual needs and delivered flexibly via phone, video or in-person sessions. The programme helps participants build resilience, develop coping strategies and prioritise their wellbeing, essential tools for navigating the pressures of entrepreneurship.

Through this partnership, the #SBS community, one of the UK’s largest and most vibrant networks of small business owners will gain direct access to Able Futures’ services and resources. The goal is to raise awareness, reduce stigma, and ensure that no entrepreneur feels they must face challenges alone.

Mental Health Mondays

Coinciding with International Mental Health Month in October, the campaign is running through ‘Mental Health Mondays’. Each Monday, #SBS will share practical tools, expert insights and wellbeing resources designed to help small business owners take care of their mental health and Able Futures will demonstrate how our Mental Health Coaching can support your employees.

From stress management tips to guidance on dealing with burnout, the campaign offers actionable advice and support, reminding entrepreneurs that help is available whenever they need it.

Listening to Entrepreneurs

As part of the initiative, both the #SBS and Able Futures networks are being invited to complete a short mental health survey. This survey will serve as a valuable litmus test, offering insight into the current state of wellbeing among UK entrepreneurs. It will help identify common pressures and challenges and inform future support strategies.

Why This Matters

“Running a small business can be exciting but also extremely demanding,” says Theo Paphitis. “It is essential our business owners feel supported when it comes to mental health and wellbeing. Collaborating with Able Futures gives our community access to invaluable expertise and support, so they don’t have to face challenges alone.”

He adds: “Mondays are no longer just about celebrating our #SBS winners, they’re also about supporting the small business community as a whole. This 15th anniversary is about celebrating resilience, community, and our incredible entrepreneurs, and prioritising mental health is a huge part of that.”

Get Involved

The campaign officially kicks off on Monday 6th October, and all small business owners - whether part of the #SBS network or not, are encouraged to take part. 

This anniversary initiative reflects #SBS’s ongoing commitment to not just celebrating small businesses, but actively supporting them with the tools, networks and services they need to thrive.