Start-Up Day 2026

Have a business idea but don’t know where to start? The Business & Intellectual Property Centre (BIPC) Northamptonshire is excited to bring back its annual Start-Up Day on Tuesday 24 November 2026. The day is sponsored by North Northamptonshire Council and for the first time Start-up Day will be hosted at Kettering Library in our dedicated Business & IP Centre space. This event is packed with opportunities to learn, network, and get inspired by successful local entrepreneurs. Whether you’re ready to launch or still brainstorming, #BIPCStartUpDay 2026 offers the resources, insights, and community you need to start your business in Northamptonshire. 

Join us for all or part of the day from 9:30am to 2:30pm - a chance to connect with like-minded individuals and discover the support available for entrepreneurs across Northamptonshire. 

Start-up Day 2026 Programme 

Throughout the day, a lineup of inspiring talks and interactive sessions will introduce you to local business success stories and offer insights on everything from identifying ideal client profiles to safeguarding your business’s digital future. Here are the highlights: 

• From start-up to success with Susan Liverman of The Kindful: Susan will share her personal learnings and insights on how to build a successful business. 

• Start-Up Stars Panel: Listen to three BIPC Northamptonshire grant winners, including Helen Staniforth of Upskillion, Tracey Sharp of Wild Soul Flowers, and Paul Spencer of Orsino Bistro, as they share how they turned their ideas into reality. Ruth Roan of South Midlands Growth Hub will moderate this inspirational session. 

• How to spot the monster client with Marie-Louise O’Neill of Lovely Evolution: Featuring a personal story from Marie-Louise's own experience, she will provide practical tips on how to discover your red and green flags in your clients. This talk puts a fun spin on identifying your ideal client profiles.

• How to safeguard your company's digital future with Andy Maddison of The Cyber Resilience Centre for the East Midlands: How businesses and charities of all sizes utilise IT, the risks they face, and how to effectively protect their systems and data both physically and virtually.​ 

  
  

These sessions provide practical, real-world advice from entrepreneurs who’ve been where you are now and can offer valuable insights to guide your journey. 

Explore the Marketplace 

In addition to the talks, you’ll find a marketplace with stands from local organisations and experts offering resources and advice for new businesses in Northamptonshire and surrounding areas. Connect with groups such as: 

• North Northamptonshire Council Economic Development Team  

• NNBN   

• South Midlands Growth Hub 

• First Enterprise 

• Lucidity IP 

• Lovely Evolution     

• Franks & Co

• Job Centre

• The Cyber Resilience Centre for the East Midlands

• North Northants Social Enterprise Network

• FSB

  
  

Register your place! 

Secure your place today on Eventbrite and take your first step toward building a successful business in Northamptonshire. Let’s turn your idea into reality!