No matter if you’re a solopreneur, a freelancer, or running an established business wanting to scale, it’s always worth keeping an eye out for local support – and this June, there are some fantastic opportunities across Bristol, Bath, and the wider South West. Yet again, I’ve combed through the calendar to highlight the very best practical know-how workshops, friendly networking meetings, and insightful sessions that promise real value for our local community.
Whether you prefer a relaxed in-person meetup or an accessible online session from your desk, you'll find plenty of ways this month to sharpen your skills, boost your confidence, and grow a dependable support network. Because many of these events are completely free, it’s easier than ever to invest in your business growth without stretching your budget.
I’ll definitely be heading along to a few of these myself; and even hosting a couple!! – so take a look through the list, let me know which ones catch your eye, and we might even catch up there! Likewise, if you’re hosting a workshop, networking group, or event specifically for small business owners in the coming months, do drop me an email – I’d love to consider it for a future roundup if it fits the bill.
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…
Business IP - Patents, Trademarks & Design Rights
When is it? 3 June 2026, various timeslots available
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
Got a brilliant invention or a unique brand you're looking to protect? The IP Attorney Clinic run by the BIPC is an invaluable resource. These 1-to-1 sessions offer expert guidance on patents, trademarks, and design rights, helping you safeguard your hard work and navigate the complexities of intellectual property with confidence. Free to book for businesses, organisations and startups in the Bristol City area.
Keynsham business networking
When is it? 5 June 2026, 10am - 12pm
Organiser: Cool Ventures
Location: Keynsham Library, Civic Centre, Market Walk, Keynsham BS31 1FS
Price: FREE
More info: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/cool-ventures-limited-2352051914
Head over to Keynsham Library, for a friendly morning of local business networking where you can swap ideas, pick up tips, make connections and even learn about possible growth ideas such as grants and other funded support. It’s a fantastic, low-pressure environment for networking newbies to build confidence, practice the way you connect with others and realize that everyone else is there to help and support each other, too. A free event, specifically designed for businesses and entrepreneurs in Keynsham and the surrounding areas.
Cotswold Networking, Bristol
When is it? 11 June 2026, 7 - 9.30pm
Organiser: Cotswold Networking
Location: Aztec Hotel & Spa, 110 Aztec West, Almondsbury, Bristol BS32 4TS
Price: £36.00 for non-members/ FREE for members
More info: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/86968506713
If you're an SME owner looking to build meaningful connections, this meeting's worth a look… Cotswold Networking hosts a fantastic array of vibrant, friendly business meet-ups across the local area. Designed around collaboration and support, these high-energy sessions regularly bring together lots of local entrepreneurs to share ideas, spark partnerships, and focus heavily on having fun while growing your business. It’s the perfect, barrier-breaking community for anyone in the wider Cotswold region looking for a relaxed yet highly effective way to expand their local network.
Morning Meet-up
When is it? 12 June 2026, 9.30 - 11.30am
Organiser: For the FOUNDERS
Location: Runway East Bath, Parsonage Lane, Bath BA1 1ER
Price: £10 + booking fee
More info: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/the-rules-of-engagement-seo-and-ai-search-tickets-1985225922174
Whether you need a creative boost or just want to chat with people who truly 'get' the solo-working life, the next For the FOUNDERS meetup in Bath is the place to be. (These sessions are held in Bristol and Bath, alternating monthly.) It's badged as a rule-free and pitch-free gathering, all about building genuine connections, sharing inspiration, and finding a supportive community of fellow freelancers and creatives. Grab a coffee, escape your desk, and enjoy some relaxed peer support with a friendly crowd that's there to lift each other up. The FOUNDERS group was specially created for "changemakers and dreamers", many of whom are neurodivergent, values-led or prefer to work in a non-linear way. Having been to one of their events, it's refreshing.
Atomicon 2026
When is it? 15-16 June 2026, 9am - 3.30pm
Organiser: Atomic
Location: online, or The Glasshouse, Gateshead, Newcastle-upon-Tyne
Price: from £345 virtual; £699 in-person
More info: https://atomic.site/atomicon/
Here's an event I really want to grab a ticket for – Europe’s biggest, most high-energy sales and marketing conference for small businesses. It’s famously a 'zero-pitch' event, meaning the world-class speakers are there to share actual, actionable strategies on things like AI integration, modern sales funnels, and scaling up without burning out, rather than selling from the stage. The energy looks incredible, the networking is massive, and I'd love to connect with some of you there. Is anyone else in my network going this year, or want to tag along so we can mastermind together?
Design with Canva - webinar workshop
When is it? 16 June 2026, 10am - 1pm
Organiser: Cool Ventures
Location: online webinar
Price: FREE
More info: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/cool-ventures-limited-2352051914
You know it's time to stop stressing over your business graphics, right?! Join me for 'Design With Canva', a hands-on, beginner-friendly online workshop designed to boost your creative confidence. (Yes, I'm running this session as Swallowtail Social is an Associate Expert partner of the Cool Ventures team!) Together, we'll dive into Canva's core features, learn how to easily adapt templates to match your unique brand, and cover the common design mistakes to avoid, so your social media visuals and marketing materials look effortlessly polished. Best of all, the session is completely free and fully funded for eligible businesses within the B&NES and South Gloucestershire council areas.
Accounting & Bookkeeping for Startups & Small Businesses - workshop
When is it? 17 June 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
Taking control of your finances is much easier with the right tools, and this upcoming finance workshop is the perfect place to start. Led by accountant Gina Scott as part of the BIPC expert team, the session covers everything from choosing a business model, business bank accounts, accountkeeping and expense tracking, and mastering HMRC requirements. Please note that these free spaces are specifically funded for entrepreneurs and small businesses based within the West of England Combined Authority region (Bristol, Bath & North East Somerset, and South Gloucestershire).
FSB Connect - virtual networking SW
When is it? 18 June 2026, 10 - 11am
Organiser: FSB
Location: online via Zoom
Price: FREE
More info: https://events.fsb.org.uk/en/g/fJqTd8nh8e/fsb-connect-south-west-virtual-networking-june-3aJ8PzE2z/
If you're looking for a brilliant way to network without leaving your desk, this virtual event is the perfect fit. This free online session by the FSB brings together small business owners and self-employed professionals from right across the South West region to chat, share advice, and forge valuable new partnerships. It’s an incredibly convenient, supportive environment to expand your reach and find new collaborative opportunities across the region from the comfort of your own workspace.
Thrive Biz Network - meetup
When is it? 18 June 2026, 9.30 - 11am
Organiser: Goldney House Wellness + Business Centre
Location: Goldney House, 59 Rounceval Street, Chipping Sodbury BS37 6AS
Price: FREE
More info: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/thrive-biz-network-tickets-523494113987
If you’re looking for a networking group that cares as much about your personal well-being as your business growth, the Thrive Biz Network is a breath of fresh air. Running on the third Thursday of each month, these uplifting sessions blend masterclasses and mindset coaching with plenty of time to connect like a close-knit "business family". Best of all, you get to escape the usual stuffy meeting rooms and enjoy breakfast on a serene, beautiful rooftop terrace that makes networking feel genuinely rejuvenating; Goldney House is a really lovely location!
Bristol Creative Industries - networking meeting
When is it? 23 June 2026, 5.30 - 8pm
Organiser: Bristol Creative Industries
Location: The Square Club, 15 Berkley Square, Clifton, Bristol BS8 1HB
Price: £7.13 for non-members/ FREE for members
More info: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/bristol-creative-industries-11348031029
If you're a freelancer in the creative sector, don't miss this monthly networking event at The Square Club. It’s a wonderful, relaxed opportunity to step away from your desk, chat with fellow creatives in the tech and arts sectors over a drink, and build the connections that make solo working feel a lot less lonely! Open to all, wether you're a member of the collective or not 🙂
E-Commerce Basics: Learn How to Build and Launch Your Online Store - workshop
When is it? 24 June 2026, 9.30 - 11.30am
Organiser: the hive
Location: the hive, 6 Beaufighter Rd, Weston-super-Mare BS24 8EE
Price: FREE for N.Som residents/ ask for pricing if outside
More info: https://www.tickettailor.com/events/thehiveweston
For anyone who's been thinking about launching an online shop but doesn't know where to start, this e-commerce workshop sounds like the perfect stepping stone. Led by one of the digital expert associates, Jack Easterbrook, this practical, beginner-friendly 2-hour session breaks down the foundations of building an online store, from choosing the right platform like Shopify or WooCommerce to essential launching tips. (Check your eligibility before booking; N.Somerset residents/ businesses claim funded places!)
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.
