Start-up Day 2026
About this Event
Got a business idea or recently started up? Start-up Day is back for 2026 to give you the practical tools, connections and confidence to help you launch and succeed in your business journey.
Join us at the British Library, online or participating BIPC’s libraries nationwide for a full day of jargon-free workshops and expert-led sessions designed to help you turn ideas into action.
Come with an idea, and you’ll leave with a plan!
Find out more...
In-person tickets for the British Library event are on sale now. Tickets for events at libraries around the UK and online will be released soon.
Who are the featured speakers?
We’re currently finalising a jam-packed day and an inspiring line-up of speakers – stay tuned for the full reveal coming soon.
To give you a taste of what to expect, here’s a look at some of our past speakers
- Sarah Beeny (Broadcaster and entrepreneur)
- Joe Wicks & Nikki Wicks (Founders of The Body Coach)
- Sara Davies MBE (BBC Dragons’ Den investor and Founder of Crafter’s Companion)
- Charlie Bigham (Founder of Charlie Bigham’s)
- Martha Keith (Founder of Martha Brook)
- Jack Dorsey (Co-founder and former CEO of Twitter and Block)
- Mintel (Market research powerhouse)
What to expect?
- Inspiring panels – Hear from industry leaders on how they started up.
- Ask the experts – Get one-on-one guidance on finance, marketing, intellectual property and more.
- Practical masterclasses – You’ll have everything you need to get – and stay – off the ground.
- Networking – Make valuable connections with fellow founders, experts and potential collaborators.
Who should attend?
Start-up Day is ideal for anyone with a business idea, side-hustlers, creatives and early-stage startups to attend. It is designed to give you the momentum, skills and confidence to turn your idea into reality. Plus, give you a taster of the incredible free business support available to help you at the Business & IP Centre all year.
If you are thinking of starting a business, or have recently started, Start-up Day is for you! However, Start-up Day also offers a fresh perspective and connections valuable for businesses at any stage, and any founders are very welcome to join us.
Agenda
🕑: 08:30 AM - 09:00 AM
Arrivals and registration
Info: Tea and coffee will be served.
🕑: 09:00 AM - 09:15 AM
Welcome to Start-up Day 2026
🕑: 09:15 AM - 10:00 AM
How to understand today’s customers and key market trends (with Q&A)
Info: More details coming soon!
🕑: 10:00 AM - 10:10 AM
Looking back at Global Entrepreneurship Week 2026 and GEN going forward
Info: More details coming soon!
🕑: 10:10 AM - 10:45 AM
How start-ups can build a brand using collabs
Info: More details coming soon!
🕑: 10:45 AM - 11:40 AM
How to start up and what I wish I’d known – Start-up Stars special (with Q&A)
Info: More details coming soon!
🕑: 11:40 AM - 12:05 PM
How to build a business using the power of AI in 2026
Info: More details coming soon!
🕑: 12:05 PM - 12:25 PM
Morning wrap-up
Info: More details coming soon!
🕑: 12:25 PM - 01:15 PM
LUNCH
🕑: 01:15 PM - 01:25 AM
Welcome back
🕑: 01:25 PM - 02:10 PM
How to build a 7-figure business starting from your kitchen table (with Q&A)
Info: More details coming soon!
🕑: 02:10 PM - 02:50 PM
How to protect your business idea with IP
Info: More details coming soon!
🕑: 02:50 PM - 03:10 PM
BREAK
Info: Tea and coffee will be served.
🕑: 03:10 PM - 04:00 PM
How to finance your start-up (with Q&A)
Info: More details coming soon!
🕑: 04:00 PM - 05:30 PM
In conversation with a fashion designer (with Q&A)
Info: More details coming soon!
🕑: 05:30 PM - 06:00 PM
Closing address
🕑: 06:00 PM - 07:00 PM
Networking
Where is it happening?
Event Location & Nearby Stays:
GBP 8.83 to GBP 11.00
