Loughborough to host free innovation event for local entrepreneurs

Local entrepreneurs will have the chance to learn, share and network with businesses, start-ups and enterprises at an upcoming event hosted by Loughborough University.

The free event will take place on Wednesday 15 November, and has been organised in partnership with Charnwood Borough Council as part of the 2023 Leicester Business Festival

Attendees can take part in a range of interactive sessions, and hear from entrepreneurs and startup speakers about the successes and challenges of developing a business.

Talks will include advice on how to bring in a team into a business and how to access funding and investment.

The event will take place at the University’s business incubator, LUinc. which is located at Loughborough University Science and Enterprise Park (LUSEP).

Pete Hitchings, Incubator Manager at Loughborough University, said: “At Loughborough, we believe in nurturing local talent and turning innovative ideas into successful businesses. With the support of Charnwood Borough Council, Loughborough Town Deal and wider partners, we are making significant investments in innovation, enterprise, and incubation to further enhance and develop the support available to startups and spinouts – this event plays a key role in helping us to shape those plans.”

Rajinder Bhuhi, Incubation and Acceleration Associate at Loughborough University said “Bringing together businesses from the University and the local area has grown a diverse community of entrepreneurs who are really invested in helping one another to succeed.  

This provides a fantastic opportunity to hear directly from these businesses about their journeys and find inspiration and knowledge that can propel your business forward.”

Cllr Jennifer Tillotson, Charnwood Borough Council’s lead member for economic development, regeneration and town centres said: “It is vitally important that we support local businesses and this event will offer fantastic insight for startups.”

The event will also be seeking views from attendees about how startups and business founders can be supported in the future.

This event is open to any business startups or potential startups across Leicestershire.

Tickets for this event are free and can be booked here.

This event is part of the Healthy and Innovative Loughborough project which is being supported by Loughborough Town Deal which has secured £16.9 million from the Government's Towns Fund.

Loughborough Town Deal is backing 11 projects which are boosting skills, helping regenerate the town and supporting the visitor economy. The projects are worth over £40 million of total investment into Loughborough.

In addition to their location at LUSEP, LUinc. also has a base in The Careers and Enterprise Hub in Loughborough town centre. Run by specialist advisors, it supports new businesses with advice, training and access to resources. The hub has also been used to host activities and events to support new businesses.

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