It doesn't matter if you’re a solopreneur, freelancer, or running a business wanting to scale, I believe it's always worth looking out for business support opportunities locally – this May, there are plenty of options across Bristol and Bath. I’ve made sure to look at lots of options available, and highlight some of the best knowhow workshops, networking meetings and a couple of business expos that promise real value for our local community.
Whether it's a in-person meetup or accessible online session, you'll find there's something for everyone to give your practical skills a lift, boost confidence and develop a dependable support network. Many of these events are completely free, so it'll be easier than ever to invest in your business (even if budgets are tight).
I’ll definitely be at a few of these events myself – tell which ones have caught your eye and we might even meet each other there!
Likewise, if you're going to be running a workshop, retreat or other event specifically for small business owners, do email me as I'd like to include it in a future listing, if it fits my criteria.
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.
Listed chronologically…
Catalyst HER - women's networking, 'The One Thing You Have to Get Right'
When is it? 5 May 2026, 6.30 - 9pm
Organiser: Business & IP Centre
Location: Junction 3 Library, Baptist Mills Court, Bristol BS5 0FJ
Price: FREE
More info: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/for-the-founders-115452754421
CatalystHER’s May networking event brings together Bristol businesswomen for an inspiring, pressure-free evening focused on one of the most important (and often avoided) topics: sales. Through an honest panel discussion, you’ll hear real stories from founders about what’s actually worked for them – building confidence, finding an authentic approach, and navigating those awkward early moments. With plenty of space for relaxed, genuine connection (no forced networking), it’s a supportive environment to rethink how you approach selling and feel more confident doing it your way. I love this meetup, and this sounds like a GREAT theme!
Email Marketing workshop - 7 Secrets for Success
When is it? 8 May 2026, 1 - 3pm
Organiser: Business & IP Centre
Location: Central Library, College Green, Bristol BS1 5TL
Price: FREE
More info: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/business-ip-centre-bristol-36461696673
This practical, interactive two-hour email marketing workshop is funded and free to attend for Bristol-based qualifying businesses! Led by email marketing specialist, Jo Hodge, it is perfect for small business owners who feel unsure about where to begin – or how to improve what they’re already doing. The session explores why email marketing remains so effective, how to grow and engage your subscriber list, improve deliverability, and develop a strategy you can confidently measure. With hands-on guidance and a Q&A at the end, you’ll leave feeling clear, confident, and ready to make strides with your business email marketing.
Sales Made Simple: the Skills & Strategy to Win More Customers - workshop
When is it? 13 May 2026, 10am - 1pm
Organiser: Cool Ventures
Location: The Studio, 10 Palace Yard Mews, Bath BA1 2NH
Price: FREE
More info: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/cool-ventures-limited-2352051914
A free, interactive workshop designed to help small businesses, sole traders, and charities in South Gloucestershire and Bath & North East Somerset, to build confidence and ease around selling. Led by sales consultant Lisa Yelland, it blends mindset, strategy, and practical techniques to help you attract clients, handle objections, and close sales in a way that feels natural rather than pushy. (I've worked with Lisa myself, and she's GREAT!) With hands-on exercises, you’ll leave with a simple, authentic approach to selling that supports both confidence and results. P|lease check eligibility when booking.
Making Tax Digital, Cashflow & Strategic Decisions - workshop
When is it? 14 May 2026, 9.30 - 11.30am
Organiser: the hive
Location: We Are Super in the Sovereign, High Street, Weston-super-Mare BS23 1HL
Price: FREE for N.Som residents/ ask for pricing if outside
More info: https://www.tickettailor.com/events/thehiveweston
This straight-talking business session from Albert Goodman Chartered Accountants, delivered in partnership with The Hive, is designed to help North Somerset businesses feel more confident and in control of their finances. Covering everything from Making Tax Digital and cashflow forecasting to managing rising costs and tax planning, the session focuses on clear guidance you can apply straight away. With time for Q&A, it’s a valuable opportunity for local business owners to get clarity and practical support for the year ahead.
The FOUNDERS Playground
When is it? 14 May 2026, 9am - 9pm
Organiser: for the FOUNDERS
Location: Bristol & Bath Science Park, Dirac Crescent, Emersons Green, Bristol BS16 7FR
Price: £45 + booking fee
More info: https://ftfounders.com/events/the-founders-playground
Part festival, part think-tank, this is not going to be your typical business event. Founders Playground has been designed as a space to explore ideas in real time – through interactive workshops, talks (I know a few of the speakers!), and spontaneous moments of connection happening across the site. It’s intended to be playful, a little unexpected, and built for curious business owners who want to step outside the usual networking format, meet like-minded people, and see what new ideas emerge when you give yourself permission to experiment. I’ll be there too, along with a lovely mix of local business owners I know, so if you’re heading along, come and say hello.
Bristol Business Expo 2026
When is it? 14 May 2026, 10am - 2pm
Organiser: B2BExpos
Location: BAWA Conference Centre, 589 Southmead Road, Filton, Bristol BS34 7RG
Price: FREE
More info: https://www.b2bexpos.co.uk/event/bristol-expo-may-2026
A large-scale, free business exhibition bringing together hundreds of local SMEs, with seminars, keynote talks, and speed networking. Sounds like this one will be great for visibility, learning, and making lots of new contacts in one place.
The Marketing Meetup IRL, Bristol
When is it? 19 May 2026, 5.30m - 8pm
Organiser: The Marketing Meetup
Location: Temple Studios, Temple Gate, Bristol BS1 6QA
Price: Donation
More info: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/the-marketing-meetup-18869026027
Chatting and connecting = the name of this game. I've only been to this group once before, but I'm going back… I like the vibe! Informal, high-value networking held at Temple Studios – where the focus is really on genuine community. As ever, there'll be an expert speaker as this time's theme is 'Why Brands Still Matter & How TV Remains The Ultimate Brand Builder'. The Marketing Meet-up is a relaxed, "listen-mode" environment. Look forward to a chilled, friendly atmosphere, focused on shared knowledge – oh, and there's pizza 😉
The Rules of Engagement
When is it? 20 May 2026, 6 - 7.30pm
Organiser: Rules of Engagement
Location: Desklodge, 2 Redcliffe Way, Bristol BS1 6NL
Price: £10 + booking fee
More info: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/the-rules-of-engagement-seo-and-ai-search-tickets-1985225922174
This is a digital marketing group and meetup which takes place every other month in Redcliffe for talks, panel discussions and casual networking. They say, "No pressure, just come along to learn a little about a lot!" This session will be focusing on SEO & AI with talks titled "Using SEO to turn virality into a year of sales" (from Aime at Studio Cotton) and "From Google to GPT: The evolution of search, not the end of it" (by Louise Giddings at Yellowball).
Bristol Chamber of Commerce networking meeting
When is it? 21 May 2026, 7.30 - 9.30am
Organiser: Business West
Location: The Board Walk, The Board Walk, Great Western Dockyard, Gas Ferry Road, Bristol, BS1 6TY
Price: £37.00 non-member ticket/ £17.50 for members
More info: https://www.businesswest.co.uk/events
A structured, facilitated networking session with table rotations; it's ideal if you feel a bit awkward about “open networking” and fancy something more guided and supportive. In my experience, these monthly Chamber events are great for getting in front of the 'decision-makers' and tend to be most useful for businesses who offer B2B services – is this you?
At4 Networking; monthly meetup
When is it? 27 May 2026, 4 - 7.30pm
Organiser: @4 Networking
Location: Origin Workspace, 40 Berkeley Square, Bristol BS8 1HP
Price: FREE
More info: https://www.eventbrite.com/o/at4-networking-113705851101
A networking event that's more like drinks with friends! I definitely enjoy this group for the easy-going vibe and great people who are all looking to support each other, no matter what the business background. We meet monthly at 4pm, usually a Wednesday, and at varied locations across Bristol. A signature of the group is to support local charities too, raising awareness of great work being done in the city. There's no strucutre, to allow mingling and chats – if you're new to the networking scene and would like to see a friendly face, I'd love meet you beforehand as a buddy, if you'd like!
Small Business Meetup
When is it? 28 May 2026, 10am - 12pm
Organiser: Enterprise Nation
Location: online meetup
Price: FREE
More info: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/online-small-business-meet-up-bristol-tickets-1982679250009
A relaxed, free meetup for local small business owners to share challenges, ideas, and support each other. Feels more informal and collaborative than traditional networking; I've been to this event both in-person and online before and the host, Dan, is very friendly and welcoming.
Women Mean Biz - monthly networking
When is it? 28 May 2026, 10.30 - 11.30am
Organiser: Women Mean Biz
Location: Clayton Hotel, 35 – 37 Broad Street, Bristol BS1 2EQ
Price: FREE for members / £27.50 + VAT (non-members)
More info: https://www.womenmeanbiz.co.uk/networking-events/192/bristol/
A friendly but structured women-focused networking group with a mix of introductions, expert talks, and peer support. I know plenty of folks in my circle who attend these Women Mean Biz groups and get a lot from them, so why not sample a free trial session? (Myself, I haven't been able to find one where the timing and location fit my schedule. I hope that changes!) I've heard they're particularly good for relationship-building and ongoing referrals. There are even industry-focused 'spin-off' Power Group meetings which you may want to look into, too. Lunch included.
For transparency… this post was created by my human hands with quite a lot of help from my brain. Not researched or written by a LLM or bot.
The image used to accompany this listings post was created by AI. Still with plenty of help from my brain, though.
The full AI policy for Swallowtail Social can be found here.
