Inside the minds of investors: how they choose where to invest

• Ever wondered what makes an investor say “yes”? Join us for an insightful session where we’ll explore how investors think, what they look for, and how they decide where to put their money. From understanding risk and market potential to spotting a winning team, you will hear from investors what makes them say “yes”.  This session will help those who support entrepreneurs to gain valuable insider knowledge.

How to help your entrepreneurs access capital

• Navigating the fundraising process can be tricky, but knowing what’s available can make all the difference. Join our expert as they outline the different types of funding options entrepreneurs can tap into, from seed capital to venture capital and everything in between. This session is designed for those who support entrepreneurs and want to better understand how to guide them through the fundraising journey to help them access the capital they need to grow. 

Understanding SEIS

• The Seed Enterprise Investment Scheme is a UK government programme that encourages private investors to buy shares in early-stage businesses. Join our SEIS expert for an overview of the key facts. This session is ideal for those who aren't SEIS experts and want to understand how it works

My investment journey

• Ever wondered what it’s really like to secure investment as an entrepreneur? Join us for an honest and inspiring discussion with entrepreneurs as they share their personal investment journeys. From the highs and lows to the lessons learned along the way, they’ll give you an inside look at what it takes to attract and work with investors. This is a chance to hear real stories and gain practical insights from those who’ve been through it all.

The mistakes I made along the way: stories from successful entrepreneurs

• Ever wonder what it really takes to build a successful business? Spoiler alert: it’s not all smooth sailing. Join us for an honest and lively panel discussion where successful entrepreneurs share the mistakes they made, the lessons they learned, and how they turned their setbacks into stepping stones. This is your chance to hear the untold stories behind the success, from embarrassing blunders to near-disasters. Our speakers will keep give you an inside look at the ups and downs of entrepreneurship – and proving that failure really can be part of the journey. 

How to create effective business incubation and accelerator programmes

• Curious about what makes a successful business incubation or accelerator programme? Join us for a session with experts who have created and run these programmes. They’ll share practical insights, tips, and real-world examples of what works (and what doesn’t) when it comes to supporting early-stage businesses. Whether you’re looking to set up your own programme or improve an existing one, this event is packed with valuable knowledge to help you create effective, impactful support for entrepreneurs.
  

Work together to support entrepreneurs

• Network with other enterprise support professionals to discuss your conundrums behind closed doors.  Share ideas, tackle challenges, and collaborate with like-minded individuals to explore innovative ways to empower entrepreneurial success. This is a friendly, informal space for those who help entrepreneurs to share, learn, and connect. Come along, and let’s tackle those challenges together!

Supporting under-represented entrepreneurs

• Join us for an insightful session focused on how we can better support under-represented entrepreneurs. We’ll explore the challenges entrepreneurs from under-represented groups face and discuss effective strategies for providing the support they need to succeed. Whether you're looking to create more inclusive programmes, or understand the barriers some entrepreneurs encounter, this event is a must-attend for anyone passionate about fostering a more inclusive entrepreneurial ecosystem.

What sorcery is this? How universities turn students into entrepreneurs

• Ever wondered how students go from lecture halls to launching their own startups? Join our expert panel to hear about the magic happening at universities to turn big ideas into thriving businesses. According to Universities UK, in the next 5 years, nearly 20,000 businesses and charities will be formed as a result of universities. Our panel of university experts will discuss how they foster entrepreneurship, which approaches they think work and which don't.

Dear Dragon: get help with your enterprise support issue

• Are you working to support entrepreneurs but facing a tricky challenge? Whether it’s about funding, mentoring, scaling programmes, or engaging your community, this event is your chance to get expert advice and fresh ideas. Submit your enterprise support issue to our panel of experienced “Dragons” and get tailored insights to help you move forward. 

How universities help incubate unicorns

• Curious about how the next big startups are born? Universities play a crucial role in creating unicorn businesses (startups valued at over $1 billion) by providing a fertile environment for innovation, entrepreneurship, and growth. Join us for an insightful talk about how higher education helps incubate billion-dollar businesses.

How to create social entrepreneurs and incubate social enterprises

• Join us for a lively panel discussion on how to nurture social entrepreneurs and grow social enterprises. We’ll dive into how universities, communities, and networks can support big ideas that tackle real-world problems. From starting a mission-driven business to scaling impact, this event is packed with tips, stories, and practical advice. 

How can we influence governments to do more to foster entrepreneurship?

• Join us for a thought-provoking discussion on how those who support entrepreneurs can leverage their first-hand experience to shape government policies that enable entrepreneurship to thrive. This event is a must for investors, advisors and ecosystem builders who want to drive meaningful change and create a more supportive environment for innovation and enterprise.