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Inspiring Entrepreneurs: Business Rooted in Community

This Black History Month, we’re spotlighting the founders who don’t just build businesses, they build up entire communities. In celebration of honouring our communities, we’re bringing together a powerhouse of Black leaders who are reshaping tech, venture capital, entertainment and hospitality from the ground up. From launching global movements like Afro Nation to creating legendary local hubs and expanding access for underrepresented founders through Foundervine, these trailblazers prove that true success comes from uplifting the people around you. The line-up Cecil Adjalo – Co-Founder and Chief Operating Officer of FoundervineColin James – Founder of Streetfathers Global and Gangs Unite CICDavid Olusegun – Founder & General Partner of Aiye Growth VentureDr. Adesegun Adeosun Jnr (King SMADE) – Founder of SMADE Group and Co-Founder of Afro Nation On the day expect to: Discover how culture, community and innovation can be transformed into thriving businessesGain insights into building businesses that create opportunities and drive meaningful changeLearn how to scale with purpose while staying rooted in your communityBe inspired by stories of resilience, ambition and building a lasting legacy. Who should attend? Inspiring Entrepreneur events are designed to inspire pre-start and early‑stage founders, but they also offer fresh perspectives and connections valuable for businesses at any stage

Inspiring Entrepreneurs: Black Wealth Builders

Celebrate Black History Month with stories from Inspiring Entrepreneurs! Join us for a panel discussion celebrating Black entrepreneurs who are breaking barriers, building legacies and reshaping industries. From transforming retail and food to revolutionising beauty and broadcasting, this event offers real insight into building wealth through entrepreneurship. Hosted by *BBC 1Xtra's Richie Brave*, this engaging event will highlight real stories of purpose-driven leadership, innovation and wealth building. Whether you're just starting out or looking to scale your business, this session will leave you energised and equipped to build your own legacy. On the day expect to: hear from social impact entrepreneurs changing how we support Black-owned businessesdiscover how food, culture and heritage can be turned into a thriving businesslearn how innovation and sustainability are transforming the beauty industrygain insights into navigating funding, scaling, and authentic brand buildingbe inspired by stories of resilience, creativity and community connection.

Inspiring Entrepreneurs: Women Wealth Builders

Join us for a ‘roundtable’ style discussion with women change-makers as they share how they're not just shifting the image of women in business, but actively building wealth in an unpredictable world. This International Women's Day, gain invaluable insights from successful women entrepreneurs navigating the complexities of modern business. On the day, you can expect to: Hear about the realities of starting and scaling up a business as a woman today.Discuss how life, family, and health changes impact business and how our speakers are navigating these challenges.Learn the different approaches to building wealth.Discover how our speakers have broken barriers, including accessing funding, gaining press visibility, and achieving recognition from key stakeholders.Explore strategies for building thriving communities, driving sales, and accumulating wealth in today's market across various industries.Connect and network with the speakers and other attendees.

Inspiring Entrepreneurs: Fireside Chat with Sara Davies MBE

Join us for an inspirational evening with renowned business mogul and TV Dragon, Sara Davies MBE, Founder and Creative Director of Crafter’s Companion. Sara founded her business from her university bedroom and forged her way through the world of business – and, in her own words, she’s never done anything by halves! Her drive, determination and inspiration have paved her way to success. She’s passionate about sharing the hard-earned knowledge, expertise and insights that she’s picked up along the way, and keeping the door of opportunity wide open for others keen to turn their dreams into a reality. This fireside chat will be hosted by TV presenter, lawyer and Business Coach, Denise Nurse.

Celebrate London's Start-up Success

An evening of start-up success with the Business & IP Centre's London Network! Join us for an inspiring evening celebrating the achievements of London's start-up community and the impact of the Kickstart Your Business programme. Be among the first to hear the latest findings from our programme evaluation, showcasing the successes, stories and achievements of the entrepreneurs we've supported. The evening will also feature live performances, opportunities to connect with fellow founders and business supporters over drinks and canapés, and a marketplace of start-up stalls to explore. Whether you've been part of the programme, supported local businesses, or simply want to celebrate entrepreneurial success across London, we'd love you to join us.

Inspiring Entrepreneurs: Meet the Foodies

This event brings together food business owners who have carved out their own unique spaces and are revolutionising the vibrant culinary world. From reimagining classic beans and crafting innovative ready meals, to blending diverse cultures through vegan Caribbean cuisine, West African snacks, and Mauritian restaurant experiences. From navigating a saturated market to promoting change, our panellists will share the highs and lows of their entrepreneurial journeys, offering valuable insights and practical advice. On the day, you can expect to: hear first-hand accounts of building a food business from the ground up, including overcoming obstacles and celebrating winslearn how to creatively build a loyal and growing social media following and generate revenuediscuss the challenges and opportunities of operating a food business in today's market, including adapting to changing trends and consumer preferencesexplore innovative approaches to scaling and sustaining a thriving food businessuncover the growing importance of health and wellness within the food industrysee how cultural backgrounds are transformed into valuable opportunities for new customer marketsconnect with fellow food enthusiasts, entrepreneurs and our speakersenjoy a delicious product tasting from one of our featured speakers.

From Start-up to Household Brand (with Q&A)

Part of Start-up Day 2024 Starting a business can be a roller-coaster journey. In this session you'll find out how to build a successful and sustainable brand from your kitchen table. Martha Keith, British Library BIPC Business Ambassador and founder of the Martha Brook stationery brand, will host a fireside chat with Charlie Bigham, founder of the eponymous food brand to delve into his story of building the fastest growing grocery brand in the UK. Together they'll shed light on the grit behind the glamour of entrepreneurship and arm you with all the facts you need to decide whether starting a business is right for you. You’ll also come away with the key strategies that can help you to stay focused on creating work that you love that fits in with your life goals and aligns with your purpose.