Start-up Day 2026

Start-up Day returns to the British Library on Tuesday 24 November, running from 8:30 to 18:00. It's the annual event for anyone with a business idea they've been sitting on — aspiring entrepreneurs, side-hustlers, and first-time founders. The day is run by the British Library's Business & IP Centre, which supports people starting, protecting and growing their businesses with free workshops, events and one-to-ones.

The whole thing is built around the actual challenges of getting a business off the ground. There are jargon-free workshops and panel talks, and 'ask the experts' clinics covering business finance, marketing strategy and intellectual property. You'll also be networking with other entrepreneurs, mentors and local businesses. It's run in partnership with Tide and is aimed at creatives and early-stage startups as well as first-time founders. Past speakers have included Sarah Beeny, Joe and Nikki Wicks (The Body Coach), Sara Davies MBE, Charlie Bigham and Jack Dorsey.

This year's line-up includes Karen Millen OBE, Emma Heathcote-James (Little Soap Company), Ama Hill (Stealth Brand), Karishma Vijay (Kishkin), Deepak Ravindran (Oddbox) and Martha Keith (Martha Brooke and Business Secrets Club). The main hub is the British Library's Knowledge Centre in London, but sessions also run at participating Business & IP Centres nationwide and online, so you can join in from wherever you are.

Tickets are £15 for in-person and £7.50 for online, plus booking fees. It runs from 8:30 to 18:00 on Tuesday 24 November, with the main action at the British Library's Knowledge Centre in London.