Venturefest South

Our partners at The University of Winchester have teamed up with Evolve to deliver a brand-new programme of six fully-funded, interactive business masterclasses, running from 14th May to 12th June 2025 at The University of Winchester. Each workshop is designed to help you level up key areas of your business, with topics covering: 🔓 Planning for sustainable growth 🛡️ Protecting your IP 🗣️ Building a personal and business brand 🤖 Smart use of AI 🤝 Humanising B2B sales and marketing ♻️ Circular economy strategies Register your interest here and the event organisers will be in touch: https://ow.ly/EYZO50VpLbA

Great things happen when we come together. That’s the spirit behind IGNITE + COLLABORATE; the latest event in the IGNITE series, proudly supported by our University of Winchester in partnership with Scrace Architects, to help grow and strengthen the IGNITE creative business network. This free event brings together architects, digital specialists, creative leaders, business mentors, and community changemakers to explore what meaningful collaboration looks like across industries, skills, and mindsets. Join them for an energising afternoon of inspiring talks, hands-on workshops, networking, cake, and even cocktails. 📍 The Guildhall, Salisbury 📅 Thursday 4 April 🕧 Drop in anytime from 12:30pm Secure your spot here: 🔗 https://ow.ly/CgYq50VoifW

⏳ One week to go! If investment is on your radar for 2025, don’t miss this exclusive Venturefest South session designed to help businesses navigate the funding landscape and connect with key investors. Run by our fantastic partners, join investment specialists, including Jonathan Day (The FSE Group), British Business Bank, Openshaw & Co., and Blake Morgan, to gain insider knowledge on: ✔️ How to secure funding and avoid common mistakes ✔️ What investors are really looking for in a business ✔️ How to refine and deliver a confident, compelling pitch This event is a chance to engage in meaningful networking with funding experts and fellow business leaders who are driving growth and innovation. 📍 Blake Morgan, Reading (2 mins from the train station) 📅 Tuesday, 25th March 2025 ⏰ 16:30 – 19:30 (refreshments from 16:30) 🎟 Free to attend, but spaces are filling fast – secure your spot today! 🔗 https://ow.ly/sNIm50UZy1B #InvestmentSuccess #FundingForGrowth #BusinessNetworking #VFS25

Calling all creatives in the South! Whether you’re designing, developing, marketing, or crafting stories on film, the Southern Creative Catalyst Meetup is the place to connect. Meet like-minded creatives, share ideas, and spark potential collaborations. No formalities. Just great conversations with people who understand the creative journey. And to make it even better, the first 40 through the door will get a free drink! 🍻 🕠 When: 5.30pm – 7.30pm 📍 Where: Mettricks Guildhall, Southampton 🎟️ Tickets: Free Come along, bring a friend, and let’s see where the conversation takes us. Have you got your free ticket yet? Grab yours here: https://ow.ly/STnR50VgGUM #SouthamptonEvents #CreativeBusinesses #CreativeIndustries #SouthCoastBusiness #DigitalCreatives #DesignStudios #CreativeTech #InnovationSouthampton #SouthernCreativeCatalyst

Are you a designer, filmmaker, marketer, developer or just someone making a living from creativity in the South? The Southern Creative Catalyst Meetup is here and It’s the perfect chance for creative business people to meet, chat, share ideas, and maybe spark some new collaborations. No big agenda, just good conversations with people who get it. And if thats not enough to get you through the door, the first 40 people to arrive get a free drink! Cheers that 😉 🕠 When: 5.30pm - 7.30pm
 📍 Where: Mettricks Guildhall, Southampton
 🎟️ Tickets: Free So come along, bring a friend, and see where the conversation takes you. Grab your free ticket here: https://ow.ly/STnR50VgGUM #SouthamptonEvents #CreativeBusinesses #CreativeIndustries #SouthCoastBusiness #DigitalCreatives #DesignStudios #CreativeTech #InnovationSouthampton #SouthernCreativeCatalyste

Venturefest South partners, University of Winchester are helping shape the future of Winchester’s creative community. As part of the Winchester District Cultural Strategy for 2030, they’ve worked with Winchester City Council and Worthwhile Works to develop three insightful handbooks on the creative economy, youth engagement, and place branding. Packed with practical ideas and successful models, these handbooks offer a roadmap for meaningful change. Discover more and explore the findings here: https://ow.ly/nUVM50VcHzr

Our partners, South Hampshire College Group, are hosting an important event next week, bringing industry and education together to shape the future of marine engineering. The Marine Engineering Industry Advisory Board is an opportunity for businesses, educators, and stakeholders to collaborate on the evolving needs of the industry, ensuring the next generation of talent is equipped with the right skills. With the Solent’s marine and maritime sector contributing 20.5% of the region’s GVA and employing 40,000 people, this event is a chance to have your say, share insights, and forge valuable connections. Expect expert discussions, networking, and a focus on action-driven solutions. 📅 Date: Wednesday 12th March ⏰ Time: 09:00am - 11:30am 📍 Location: Marine Skills Centre, Hazel Road, Southampton, SO19 7GA Get your ticket now: https://ow.ly/IjQc50VcKui #MarineEngineering #SouthHampshireCollegeGroup #IndustryCollaboration #FutureSkills

Last year, we kicked off Southern Innovation Catalyst because we knew we needed to connect with the region before shaping our annual programmes. Yesterday, we brought it back for round two, and what an afternoon it was! We had an incredible mix of business leaders, innovators, and entrepreneurs in the room, all coming together to learn more about Venturefest South, take part in a hands-on workshop, and, of course, make some brilliant new connections. One of the best parts? We met so many people who were completely new to VFS, which means our mission is reaching even further, exactly what we hoped for. In the workshops, a few big themes stood out: 👉 AI education is a hot topic 👉 There’s a real need for a more accessible community hub 👉 Sustainability is top of mind for so many And now? We’re taking all of this insight and using it to shape the #VFS25 programme. A massive thank you to our partners for making it all happen and to everyone who came along. We think we might have just met some future collaborators, too. If you want to find out more about how you can get involved, please contact engage@venturefestsouth.co.uk Carswell Gould, University of Southampton, University of Winchester, University of Portsmouth, South Hampshire College Group, Blake Morgan LLP, Openshaw & Co., Barclays Eagle Labs, British Business Bank, National Oceanography Centre, National Biofilms Innovation Centre, The FSE Group, Arts University Bournemouth, Innovate UK, Solent Growth Partnership #Innovation #Collaboration #VenturefestSouth #SouthernInnovationCatalyst

Thinking about investment but not sure where to start? Well, you're not alone which is why our partners have organised 'Where's The Money'💸 Whether you're looking for funding or want to sharpen your pitch, this exclusive Venturefest South session will connect you with the experts who can help. Meet and hear from experts at The FSE Group, British Business Bank, Openshaw & Co., and Blake Morgan as they share: ✅ Insider knowledge on securing funding ✅ What investors REALLY want from businesses ✅ The secrets to a compelling investment pitch 📅 25th March 2025 ⏰ 16:30 – 19:30 (refreshments from 16:30) 📍 Blake Morgan, Reading (just 2 mins from the station!) Spaces are filling up fast – book your free place today! 🔗 https://ow.ly/wlVa50UZxMl #Entrepreneurship #InvestmentTips #VFS25 #FundingSuccess

Hi LinkedIn connections, I wanted to invite you to attend an event that I think you'll find really worthwhile. The Southern Innovation Catalyst, part of Venturefest South, has become a key opportunity for businesses across the South to engage in discussions about innovation and economic growth. 🗓️ Event Date/Time: 27th February 2025 / 3 - 5:30pm 📍 Location: Sir James Matthews Building, 157-187 Above Bar Street, Southampton, SO14 7NN This is a great chance to connect with like-minded professionals, gain insights, and explore new opportunities for your business. Although it's short notice, I highly encourage you to register and attend. 🔗 https://lnkd.in/eWAa5N-Z Looking forward to seeing you there and engaging in some meaningful conversations. #Innovation #EconomicGrowth #Networking #VenturefestSouth #SouthernInnovationCatalyst