Start-Up Day 2026 returns to North Northants to help aspiring entrepreneurs turn ideas into reality

02 November 2026

People with a business idea, side hustle or ambition to work for themselves are invited to take the next step on their business journey at Start-Up Day 2026, taking place on Tuesday 24 November 2026 at Kettering Library.

Whether attendees are refining a business idea or preparing to launch, the free event will showcase the support, expertise and resources available to help businesses thrive in Northamptonshire.

Delivered by the Business & Intellectual Property Centre (BIPC) Northamptonshire and sponsored by North Northamptonshire Council, the free event will be hosted for the first time in the library's dedicated Business & IP Centre and will bring together expert speakers, local entrepreneurs and business support organisations from across Northamptonshire.

Start-Up Day will run from 9:30am to 2:30pm and offer practical advice, networking opportunities and inspiration for anyone looking to start, grow or develop a business. The event forms part of a national programme led by the British Library's Business & IP Centre network, with BIPCs across the country hosting Start-Up Day events on the same day.

Visitors will also hear from successful local entrepreneurs and business experts throughout the day, including:

Susan Liverman, founder of The Kindful, speaking about her journey from start-up to business success.
A Start-Up Stars panel discussion featuring BIPC grant recipients Helen Staniforth (Upskillion), Tracey Sharp (Wild Soul Flowers) and Paul Spencer (Orsino Bistro), who will discuss how they transformed their ideas into successful businesses. The session will be chaired by Ruth Roan from the South Midlands Growth Hub.
Marie-Louise O'Neill, founder of Lovely Evolution, offering practical advice on identifying ideal clients and avoiding common pitfalls when building a business.
Andy Maddison from the Cyber Resilience Centre for the East Midlands, sharing expert guidance on protecting businesses from cyber threats and safeguarding digital operations.

Alongside the programme of talks, attendees can explore a marketplace featuring organisations offering specialist advice, funding information and support services for start-ups and growing businesses.

Exhibitors will include:

North Northamptonshire Council Economic Development Team
The Northamptonshire Business Network (NNBN)
Job Centre
South Midlands Growth Hub
First Enterprise
Lucidity IP
Lovely Evolution
Franks & Co
The Cyber Resilience Centre for the East Midlands
North Northants Social Enterprise Network

Starting a business can feel like a big step and whether you're developing a new idea, or taking the leap into self-employment, Start-Up Day is designed to help. I’d encourage people to sign up for their free place - the day is designed to provide access to expert advice, practical support and valuable connections and you’ll get a chance to see the resources available in the new centre to help start-ups and local businesses.

We are proud to support this event alongside BIPC Northamptonshire, helping entrepreneurs and business owners access the knowledge and confidence they need to develop their ideas and grow successful businesses in Northamptonshire.Councillor Jan O’Hara, Executive Member for Planning and Economic Growth at North Northamptonshire Council

Small businesses play a vital role in driving economic growth, creating jobs and bringing innovation to our communities. Start-Up Day is a fantastic opportunity for aspiring entrepreneurs to gain practical advice, build valuable connections and access the support available across Northamptonshire. We are proud to support initiatives that help local people develop their ideas, launch successful businesses and contribute to a thriving local economy.Cllr Kamala Guliyeva, Cabinet Member for Local Economy, Culture and Leisure at WNC

Anyone interested in attending can register via Eventbrite and discover the support available to help take their business idea to the next stage.