Aspiring start-ups and local small businesses invited to Start-up Day 2023

The free event will take place at the Tiled Hall Café on 22 February and feature a range of local businesses sharing their inspirational stories, as well as expert speakers and information for anyone looking to start, run or grow their own business in West Yorkshire.

Attendees will have the opportunity to find out about the support available for their business and hear real-life stories from those that have already started their own ventures, giving them the tools to turn their business dreams into a reality.

The day will also provide practical guidance and talks on funding and financial survival, how to incorporate sustainability into a small business, and how to understand customer behaviour. In addition to this there will be a mini-maker’s market by local crafters, the opportunity to chat with experts and a talk by local business owner and winner of The Apprentice, Sian Gabbidon.

The event will also feature a panel discussion with small businesses from across West Yorkshire, linking in with the Business & IP Centre Leeds City Region’s expansion in Leeds, Bradford, Calderdale, Kirklees and Wakefield.

BIPC Leeds City Region is part of the British Library's Business & IP Centre National Network which has a wealth of resources to support and inspire budding entrepreneurs to take the first step to turning their idea into a business.

Councillor Mary Harland, Leeds City Council’s executive member for communities, said:

“There’s a bustling start-up and small business scene in Leeds and West Yorkshire and it’s important that our libraries continue to be a part of this.

“The Business & IP Centre here in Leeds has already helped hundreds of entrepreneurs to take their next steps and I hope that Start-up Day inspires even more people to turn their ideas into thriving businesses.

“I’d urge anyone with a business idea to come along on the day to find out more about the support available to them and to leave feeling inspired.”

Becca McClure, founder of North Sky Yurts and Entrepreneur in Residence at BIPC Leeds City Region, said:

“When you start a business, there are so many questions and things to navigate so having a free resource like the BIPC is invaluable.

“When setting up North Sky Yurts, we attended workshops on writing a business plan, marketing and gaining investment. We also had one to ones to help us really get our idea on paper and a plan in place. It's so worth attending Start-Up Day to see what support is there for you and to feel inspired by other businesses and entrepreneurs.”

Following the main event there will be a fashion-focused evening exploring the changing face of fashion. Attendees will hear from a local start-up, take part in an upcycling workshop exploring sustainability in fashion and tune in to the British Library’s ‘Changing Face of Fashion’ live screening, featuring a panel of experts and top names.

Event speakers include Sian Gabbidon, founder of Sian Marie and winner of The Apprentice, ReelFilm, Stephanie Galij, Crust and Crumb ‘77, Jacqueline Daley, North Sky Yurts, Atlante Marketing, Buttercrumble, YouBee Media, Walker Morris, British Enterprise Fund, What’s Your Skirt? and Wanner Label.

Start-up Day takes place on 22 February between 09.30-20.00. It is free to attend and anyone with a business or business idea is welcome. Tickets to the main event, running between 09.30-16.30, can be booked at: https://bit.ly/SUDLeeds

Free tickets to the fashion-focused evening, running from 16.30-20.00, can be booked at: https://bit.ly/SUDLeedsFashion

ENDS.