From Side Hustle to Startup - The Journey Ahead for Tech Founders
About this Event
Have a technology or software business idea and wondering what you need to do next?
The TechForge Accelerator from Business Sheffield is a series of five in-person workshops designed to support technology-centred startups, particularly those involving software.
The accelerator is best suited to early-stage founders. You might have an idea you're exploring, be developing a prototype or Minimum Viable Product (MVP), or have already started trading.
You can attend one or more workshops in the TechForge Accelerator series depending on your needs. Each workshop lasts just over two hours, with an opportunity to network at the end.
What is the first TechForge Accelerator workshop about?
The first session provides an overview of the journey ahead when developing a software-based startup.
You'll be introduced to a tried and tested routemap and receive practical advice on some of the steps involved in building a strong foundation for your startup.
The session will also explore potential pitfalls to be aware of as you develop your business.
What will I learn?
During the workshop, you'll explore:
The startup journey
Get an overview of the journey ahead and some of the steps involved in developing a software-based startup.
Building strong foundations
Explore practical considerations when laying the foundations for your technology business.
Planning your next steps
Use a tried and tested routemap to help you understand the steps you'll need to consider as your startup develops.
Common startup pitfalls
Learn about potential pitfalls to be aware of as you move your software business from an idea towards its next stage.
Who is the TechForge Accelerator for?
The TechForge Accelerator is best suited to founders of early-stage, technology-centred startups, particularly those involving software.
You might be:
- Exploring a technology or software business idea
- Working on a prototype
- Developing a Minimum Viable Product (MVP)
- Already doing some initial trading
Do I need to attend all five workshops?
No. The TechForge Accelerator includes five in-person workshop sessions, but you can book one or more workshops depending on your needs.
Who will deliver the workshop?
The session will be led by Robin Gibbons and Morgan Killick, Business Sheffield's experienced Tech Scale-Up Advisors.
Both Robin and Morgan are founders who have scaled and exited technology businesses.
Date: 22 Sep 2026
Time: 9:30am-12:30pm
Venue: Electric Works
Arrival and Networking - 9:30am - 10am
Session - 10am - 11:15am
Break: 11:15am - 11:30am
Session: 11:30am - 12:30pm
Agenda
🕑: 09:30 AM - 10:00 AM
Arrival and Networking
🕑: 10:00 AM - 11:15 AM
Session
🕑: 11:15 AM - 11:30 AM
Break
🕑: 11:30 AM - 12:30 PM
Session
Where is it happening?
Event Location & Nearby Stays:
GBP 0.00
