About Start-up Day 2026
Got a brilliant business idea you want to get off the ground? Start-up Day is back for 2026 to give you the knowledge, connections and inspiration you need to launch with confidence.
Join us at the British Library, participating BIPC libraries around the UK and online 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!
To find out more about Start-up Day, click here.
In-person tickets for the British Library event are on sale now, and online tickets are available too.
Start-up Day events are also taking place at participating libraries all over the UK. To find your nearest event, click here.
In partnership with Tide.
Who are the featured speakers?
Start-up Day 2026 brings together top entrepreneurs, industry leaders and business specialists to give you the real-world knowledge you need to launch and grow your business with confidence.
Here's a snapshot of who you'll hear from on the day:
- Karen Millen OBE (Fashion and Interior Design Consultant)
- Emma Heathcote-James (Founder and CEO of Little Soap Company)
- Ama Hill (Founder of Stealth Brand and Creator)
- BBC The Apprentice 2026 winner Karishma Vijay (Founder & CEO of Kishkin)
- Deepak Ravindran (Founder of Oddbox)
- Martha Keith (Founder of Martha Brooke and Business Secrets Club)
- Plus many more!
Click here to view the full agenda and speaker line-up.
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 entrepreneurs, 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.
About the Business & IP Centre
The British Library Business & IP Centre supports people to start, protect and grow their businesses. More information is available on our website.
You are welcome to take part in our regular programme of workshops and events. View our full programme of events.
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