The West Midlands Business Festival returns next month.
This two-week programme of free events will bring our business community together to ignite innovation, share expertise and spark collaboration.
Organised by Business Growth West Midlands (BGWM), the festival is the region's biggest and most influential annual business-to-business event. There are over 100 events to choose from - all free to attend. Browse by topic, date and area to build your personal festival schedule. Many events are expected to be over-subscribed, so book early to avoid disappointment. We feature below 2 of the events the City Council are helping deliver
 Thursday 12th February | 08:00–11:00 | Molinuex Stadium
A chance to hear first hand what the Bank of England outlook is for the UK economy in 2026, to understand what led to the recent round of interest cuts, and to discuss what you need to drive growth in your business.
We are joined by Glyn Jones, Deputy Agent for the Bank of England; Jane Sommerville, MD at Bowers and Jones - recent recipients of the Kings Award for Enterprise; and Professor Martin Levermore MBE, Deputy Lieutenant, West Midlands, and Eamonn O'Connor, Growth Specialist with Innovate UK
An excellent buffet breakfast and refreshments, fascinating presentations on the UK economy outlook followed by a roundtable discussion on how to unlock barriers to growth and drive innovation.
This is a by invitation event - if you would like to express your interest in attending please email business.development@wolverhampton.gov.uk
 Tuesday 3rd February | 09:30–16:00 | Grand Theatre
Join ambitious start-ups, SMEs, social enterprises and established businesses at the iconic Grand Theatre for Think Local, Grow Global — a full-day business growth event designed to support businesses at every stage
Delivered by Access to Business as part of the West Midlands Business Festival 2026, in partnership with City of Wolverhampton Council Business Growth Team and headline sponsor Talbots Law, this event brings together expert insight, practical support and meaningful connections.
Throughout the day, you’ll have the opportunity to speak directly with businesses and support organisations in attendance, including NatWest, BCRS Business Loans and Oxford Innovation — with more organisations to be announced.
For more information and to book a place click here
 Register for the April 2026 cohort
With 16 successful cohorts delivered to date, and with a quarter of the last cohort from Wolverhampton, now is the time to register for the 2026 cohort of this great government-subsidised 12-week leadership course delivered by Aston University Business School - designed for SME decision-makers to boost resilience and drive long-term growth.
Over 12 modules, you’ll explore strategies for growth and innovation, leading high-performance teams, digital adoption, financial management and responsible business practices.
A blend of online and face-to-face sessions lets you complete 50+ hours of expert-led training around your business schedule. You also receive 8 hours of peer-group learning and 10 hours of one-to-one mentoring to embed change swiftly.
To learn more and register for the next cohort click here
 Thursday 5th February | 10:00–14:00 | Wolverhampton Racecourse
Engage with inspirational export experts and interactive breakout sessions offering practical guidance for business growth and international trade.
Connect, learn, and explore opportunities to expand your business globally.
Hosted by Black Country Chamber in partnership with Coventry & Warwickshire and Greater Birmingham Chambers supporting SMEs across the Black Country, Solihull, Birmingham and Coventry.
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Information stand & expert advice – access specialist guidance for your business.
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Success stories & case studies – learn from businesses now exporting successfully.
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Expert panel session – actionable tips and answers to your questions.
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Interactive 1-to-1 sessions – tailored support to help your business export.
Book your free place here
 A community of support
Whether you’re launching a new business or developing an existing one, Enterprise Nation connects you to the resources to help you succeed. Here are just a few of their great initiatives.
Discovery Tool - Start and grow your small business with a free personalised plan
Lunch and Learn - daily events offering small business owners with cutting-edge skills, best industry practices, and more. The events are hosted by experienced entrepreneurs and trusted advisers
Finance Beyond Borders - A free learning series for ambitious founders who want to cut international costs, simplify money management and unlock global growth. Plus, you could win £1,000
Supply Connect - Unlock growth for your business through public and private sector contracts. Supply Connect helps your business get ready to win contracts and connects you to opportunities
Work Reimagined - in partnership with Dell Technologies and Intel, are bringing you the latest advice to help make the most of AI. Win a tech bundle worth £1,000
For more information click here
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