Those based in Bristol and Bath can make the most of these small business events – try networking, take advantage of a skills workshop or attend a business expo with expert speakers. There are even some online webinars and classes if you can't make it in-person.
I've hand-picked these to bring to your attention, hosted and held by expert providers… Most are free to attend, however any small business events which require paid registration are chosen as I believe they'll offer a great value benefit.
The following information is correct at time of posting, however it is recommended that you visit the website in each case to check the details before making plans, particularly as many events (including free-to-attend ones) may have requirements for attendance or require advance booking.
The South West Expo – Bristol Business Show
When is it? 2 October, 10am - 3pm
Organiser: Business West
Location: Leigh Court Business Centre, Pill Road, Abbots Leigh, Bristol BS8 3RA
Price: FREE
More info: https://www.businesswest.co.uk/events/south-west-expo-%E2%80]-bristol-business-show
This regional business show is a fantastic place for small business owners to meet and connect, attend speaker events and find new suppliers, collaborators and contractors – all in the beautiful setting of Leigh Court.
Website Clinic for Small Businesses
When is it? 3 October, 10am - 12.30pm or 1.30 - 4pm
Organiser: Studio Cotton
Location: Studio Cotton, 63 Broad Street, Bristol BS1 2EJ
Price: £16.10 (inc booking fee)
More info: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/studio-cotton-17898308237
Expert website and podcast designer Aime, founder of Studio Cotton, hosts this monthly clinic session enabling small businesses to improve their site usability and performance, trouble-shoot problems and go away with fresh ideas in this practical session. Refreshments included.
BTF+ - Bristol Festival of Tech, Creativity & Culture
When is it? 6 - 11 October, wide range of talks and sessions
Organiser: TechSPARK
Location: central venues across Bristol
Price: Many FREE events; paid-for summit tickets also available
More info: https://techspark.co/btfplus/
A six-day citywide festival for start-ups, small businesses, entrepreneurs, those looking to scale and leaders – this series of events is a bumper collection of talks, networking events, learning sessions, demos and showcases from the brightest and best in the tech and creative worlds… all in fun, accessible venues.
Marketing Discovery Day
When is it? 7 October, 10am - 2pm
Organiser: Marketing SHOWCASE
Location: Landsdowne Suite, Ashton Gate Stadium, Bristol BS3 2LQ
Price: FREE
More info: https://mktgshowcase.co.uk/events/bristol/
Ideal for marketing specialists and small business owners with marketing responsibility, this is a great place to find inspiration. Hear from top speakers, keep up-to-date with the latest developments and browse the exhibits for new contacts, suppliers and tech innovations; 'discovery' by name, and by nature!
Money-saving questions to ask your accountant – LUNCH + Learn
When is it? 8 October, 12 - 12.30pm
Organiser: Enterprise Nation
Location: Online webinar
Price: FREE
More info: https://www.enterprisenation.com/find-something/lunch-and-learn-money-saving-questions-to-ask-your-accountant/
Hosted by business finance training specialist Tara Askham, this is a bitesize opportunity to improve your financial decision-making. Learn how you can improve your conversations with your accountant (which means putting you in a better money-growth position!), understand key numbers, and find tips on cashflow.
Design with Canva for Beginners
When is it? 9 October, 10am - 1pm
Organiser: Cool Ventures
Location: Online webinar
Price: FREE
More info: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/cool-ventures-limited-2352051914
Another fantastic class from the Cool Ventures business support team – disclosure; I am one of the Associate Experts on the team, and the one who'll be running this online workshop! 🙂 A highly practical, beginner-friendly session on how to make the most of Canva as a graphic design tool for non-designers. You'll understand its functionalities, how to apply and customise templates, as well as pitfalls to avoid. Go away with confidence to create on-brand social media visuals, marketing graphics, professional-looking business stationery and printed materials.
Entrepreneurs & Business Builders Meetup – Bristol
When is it? 9 October, 6 - 9pm
Organiser: Network One
Location: Zerodegrees Microbrewery, 53 Colston Stree, Bristol BS1 5BA
Price: FREE for early birds/ £25
More info: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/network-one-112911297891
A friendly, welcoming event from this community-centred organisation which operates small business meetups nationwide. Connect with fellow entrepreneurs, founders and like-minded people in the small business world to network, share ideas and grow; meaningfully.
Netwalk Bath: Business Networking
When is it? 10 October, 10 - 11.30am
Organiser: Freelance Mum
Location: Newton St. Loe Farm Shop & Cafe, Bath BA2 9BT
Price: FREE
More info: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/faye-dicker-6822413923
A child-friendly networking opportunity led by Lucie and Jody for mums in business to meet and share experiences, all on a short circular walk. Get to know each other and hear from a guest speaker, too. Fresh air and fresh thinking combined!
Hum4ns Talk
When is it? 13 October, 7 - 10pm
Organiser: Hum4ns
Location: The Square Club, 15 Berkley Square, Clifton, Bristol BS8 1HB
Price: FREE
More info: https://hum4ns.co.uk/events
Combining an insightful speaker event and relaxed business networking, the Hum4ns events are well worth a look. Inspiring lessons, real-life experiences and overcoming challenges… it's about absorbing the learnings across life, not just business.
Bath Business Meet Up, hosted by Bath Chamber of Commerce
When is it? 14 October, 5.30 - 7pm
Organiser: Business West
Location: Robun, 4 George Street, Bath BA1 2ED
Price: FREE
More info: https://www.businesswest.co.uk/events
Connect and mingle… like-minded professionals and small business owners can get together for informal networking drinks. Less structured than many networking events, this is a great chance to forge real conversations and relationships. A fab chance to expand your LinkedIn connections 🙂
Third Thursday - Social drinks + networking
When is it? 16 October, 6 - 8pm
Organiser: TechSPARK
Location: Newark Works, 2 Foundry Lane, Bath BA2 3DZ
Price: FREE
More info: https://techspark.co/calendar/
Light networking, with food and drinks – this is an event to connect if you're in the creative, tech or digital business space. Hear a guest speaker talk and add in a perfect chance to chat and find collaborations.
Digital Learning - Canva Workshop for Business Owners
When is it? 21 October, 10am - 12pm
Organiser: the hive
Location: Online webinar
Price: FREE
More info: https://www.tickettailor.com/events/thehiveweston/1867436
A new session from the fantastic business support team at The Hive; this online workshop will be presented by… yours truly, Ruth from Swallowtail Social. It's a practical class to grow your knowhow and confidence on how to use Canva as a graphic design tool, if you're based in North Somerset. Learn about Canva's functionalities, versatile templates, and plenty of 'dos and don'ts' to save you time when creating marketing materials (and more!) for your small business.
Business Planning & Financial Strategy
When is it? 22 October, 5.30 - 7pm
Organiser: Share Bristol/ BrisBES
Location: Bedminster Hub, Share Bristol's Library of Things, 47-49 East Street, Bedminster, Bristol BS3 4HB
Price: FREE
More info: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/bedminster-community-hub-108297858301
Targeted advice from a local business advisor… What's not to love?! This session is ideal for Bristol business startups, small businesses and entrepreneurs ready to get a grip on all things finance. Grow your understanding of the bigger picture in your business figures, along with valuable practical advice for day-to-day confidence.
Let me know if you plan to take part in or attend any of the events I've featured - if it's one I'm going to or hosting myself, it'd be great to see you there!
And of course, if you are hosting a small business skills workshop, event or will be exhibiting at one, then email me the details.
I'm looking for small business skills workshops, networking/ co-working events, expos and exhibitions, whether online or in-person, if you're in the Bristol, Bath, South Gloucestershire, Keynsham, Portishead or North Somerset areas.
If it fulfils the selection criteria before that month's listing is published, I'd like to include it!
Ruth 🙂
