New Year, New Venture: Support for new business entrepreneurs in 2026
Shropshire Growth Hub, in collaboration with the British Business Bank, will host “New Year, New Venture” on Thursday 22 January 2026 at Shrewsbury Town Football Club.
Shropshire has a healthy business survival rate making it an ideal location for new businesses to thrive. But launching a business can be risky and challenging so this event brings together leading experts, practical workshops, and invaluable networking opportunities to help budding entrepreneurs turn their business dreams into reality.
Shropshire Growth Hub advisors will cover topics including business structures, accounting and tax essentials, cashflow (with Matthew Woodhead), business planning (with Jamie Pratt), and marketing, social media, and market research strategies to help entrepreneurs reach their customers (with Erin Scullion).
The event will include presentations by the British Business Bank regarding available funding options and insights into enterprise and start-up loans. Plus, the programme will feature an exclusive interview with marketing specialist Daniel Rowles discussing the future implications of artificial intelligence within business.
Attendees can participate in a live panel Q&A session, engaging directly with industry experts to get answers to their key questions, and the day ends with an address from Pete Hill ("Peter the Speaker") on the essential qualities of successful entrepreneurship.
Lunch and networking are included providing a chance for delegates to connect with others who are considering starting a business or have recently done so. Support will also be available from the Shropshire Growth Hub team.
Ruth Westwood, the new manager of the Shropshire Growth Hub, said:
“We’re launching ‘New Year, New Venture’ to support Shropshire’s entrepreneurs and new business owners. The event offers expert advice, practical workshops, and networking to help turn ideas into reality. With Shropshire’s strong record for business survival, the Shropshire Growth Hub aims to provide everyone with the resources needed for success and has the expertise to assist at any stage of your business journey.”
Tracy Sherratt, British Business Bank Senior Manager for the West Midlands said:
"The British Business Bank is pleased to be supporting Shropshire Growth Hub's 'New Year, New Venture,' which will help to bring together small business owners at all stages of their journey, from early stage start- ups to those ready to scale up and grow, along with people to share their knowledge and experience on how to access finance.”
This event is intended for anyone in Shropshire who is interested in establishing a business, regardless of their background or experience and offers an opportunity to gain practical knowledge, hear from industry experts, and access local resources and support.
Tickets are available here.
