The Amazon Innovation Accelerator (AIA) is back in 2025 with an improved training programme for small businesses local to our sites, combining in-person workshops with online learning.
The Accelerator invites small businesses – as well as public sector organisations and non-profits – into Amazon’s operations to understand first-hand how the company has scaled. In turn, it provides participants with unique best practices on how to innovate and grow.
Participating businesses gain exclusive access to the AIA digital SME hub which is an online training platform that covers a range of topics including how to work backwards from the customer, LEAN methodology, an introduction to AI, and much more. The AIA programme is entirely free.
In 2025, AIA has expanded to 19 programmes, including in Ireland.
Here are five things you need to know.
1. What is the Amazon Innovation Accelerator and what does it provide?
The AIA is a free training programme which offers a behind the scenes look at how we have scaled our operations in the UK, providing a dynamic setting for sharing best practices with small businesses.
It provides small business leaders with:
- Training workshops: In-person training, hosted at state-of-the-art Amazon Fulfilment Centres, where small businesses learn directly from senior Amazon leaders about how to build a culture of innovation, automate operations, and achieve enhanced productivity within their own organisations.
- Digital resources and certification: Access to a comprehensive e-learning course on a digital platform that includes modules on digitisation, innovation leadership, and operational efficiency.
- Networking and peer-to-peer learning: Participants can connect with SME leaders from across the UK, share challenges, collaborate on solutions, and be part of an active community driving innovation.
- Available funding for innovating and scaling: Participants can enter the AIA Innovation Challenge Prize for a chance to win a share of £100,000 to fund their innovation strategy, providing them with the resources to bring their innovation culture and digital transformation vision to life.
2. Where is the programme available?
AIA launched at the beginning of 2025 delivering training programmes across the UK and Ireland. Locations include:
| Dublin | Bolton |
| Bristol | Dartford |
| Warrington | Sutton Coldfield |
| Gateshead | Derby |
| Tilbury | Swansea |
| Leeds |
More details on locations can be found here.
3. How can businesses apply?
Small businesses, public sector organisations, and non-profits from any sector are welcome to apply to participate in the accelerator. Apply here.
4. What is the AIA Innovation Challenge Prize?
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The Innovation Challenge Prize (ICP) is a cornerstone of AIA’s 2025 programme. It aims to motivate, celebrate, and fund innovative ideas from small businesses, non-profits, and charitable organisations that have participated in the AIA programme.
Central to this challenge is Amazon’s working backwards methodology, which encourages applicants to define their innovation from the customer (or beneficiary) perspective before planning execution details.
Businesses submit their idea as a press release (FAQ) format on the back of learnings from the AIA programme to be able to win funding for their idea.
5. Why is this initiative important for Amazon?
Amazon has been serving customers in the UK for 25 years and we know how important it is to maintain a start-up mentality and find new ways to innovate.
Amazon is committed to helping UK small businesses grow and create jobs in the communities we serve. Participants of AIA can apply these learnings to their own businesses to boost their growth and productivity.
At Amazon, we know small businesses are engines of innovation. We’re proud to support nearly 100,000 UK-based small businesses that sell and export on our store, then supporting many more by upskilling through initiatives like the AIA where we share with them practical tools and ideas for growth.
When Gareth Thomas MP, Minister for Services, Small Business, and Exports, visited the Amazon Innovation Accelerator recently, he said: "Brilliant to see the Amazon Innovation Accelerator in action. I met a range of businesses benefiting from support that the accelerator offers, including training workshops at Fulfilment Centres, networking opportunities, and peer-to-peer learning.
"This Government is committed to making sure that small businesses have the capabilities they need to unlock growth - from digital skills to data-drive decision making - and business-led initiatives like this are an excellent way to build those capabilities. Thank you to Amazon for hosting me and demonstrating how you are helping businesses around the UK innovate and grow."
If you are interested in learning more, or in signing up for one of the Amazon Innovation Accelerator training programmes, get in touch at aia-uk@amazon.com or check out further details on the website.
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