The Maple Review is a Government-backed, independent review exploring how economic hardship impacts people’s ability to start and grow a business. Experiences of poverty, welfare support, insecure housing, caring responsibilities, or wider instability can all shape whether someone feels able to pursue entrepreneurship, and what happens once they do.

The Small Business Britain Team want to hear from anyone whose entrepreneurial journey has been influenced by economic deprivation. This may include people who have started a business, tried to start one, or wanted to but felt unable to. Their insight will help to understand the barriers they faced, how they navigated them, and what changes they believe would make the biggest difference.

The survey takes around 10 minutes to complete and forms part of the Maple Review’s national evidence-gathering programme. Findings will feed into a comprehensive report due to be published in May 2026, with the aim of shaping practical recommendations to ensure entrepreneurship is accessible to everyone, no matter their circumstances or background.

At the end of the survey, respondents may also share any preferred language around this topic and can choose to be entered into a prize draw to win one of two £250 prizes.

To take the survey, click here.