New networking event launched to support West Midlands entrepreneurs
A new networking event specifically designed for early-stage entrepreneurs is set to launch this November in Birmingham's Jewellery Quarter.
Startup Social West Midlands addresses a critical gap in support for solo founders and small business owners navigating the challenging first one to three years of trading.
Unlike traditional corporate networking events, Startup Social West Midlands focuses on building genuine relationships and providing practical support for entrepreneurs who often find themselves isolated during the crucial early stages of business development.
"The strongest businesses aren't built by the smartest people in the room - they're built by those who know how to connect, support each other, and leverage their networks effectively," says Becky Benbow (pictured), founder of A Burden Shared and event organiser.
"I've spent the past decade in the trenches with entrepreneurs, and I've seen countless founders break through their biggest challenges not through working harder, but through finding the right people who've been there before."
The inaugural event takes place on Wednesday, 19 November at The JointWorks in Birmingham's vibrant Jewellery Quarter, with plans to establish this as a regular series serving the West Midlands entrepreneurial community.
Research consistently shows that entrepreneurs face higher rates of isolation and stress during their first years of business, with many citing lack of peer support as a significant challenge.
Startup Social West Midlands directly addresses this by creating a space where being vulnerable about business challenges becomes a strength rather than a weakness.
"This event is my way of creating the support system I wish I'd had from day one - where authentic connections lead to real opportunities," adds Becky.
"Real networking is about building relationships with people who celebrate your wins, understand your setbacks, and offer genuine support when you hit those inevitable roadblocks."
The event is open to solo entrepreneurs, one-person businesses, and small business owners in their first three years of trading across all industries.
Registration is now open with a limited number of places remaining available. Register your place HERE.
A Burden Shared, founded by Becky, specialises in supporting creative entrepreneurs and service providers through OBM and Virtual Assistant services. With over a decade of experience helping businesses scale from startup to success, A Burden Shared understands the unique challenges facing early-stage entrepreneurs.
