An award-winning event that supports businesses in their first three years of trading is set to return this month (November).
StartUp Social West Midlands is dedicated to supporting founders through the early stages of building a business, offering a space for real conversations, practical support and genuine connections with fellow founders who understand the journey. It was recently recognised with the Pioneer Award by the Solihull Chamber of Commerce.
Since launching, the event has grown into a fixture in the regional startup calendar, with sessions regularly selling out. Founders who met in the room have gone on to connect, collaborate on projects and start new businesses together, and several local MPs have expressed interest in supporting the event as it grows.
Hosted by Becky Benbow (pictured) from A Burden Shared, the next event takes place at The Jointworks, 45 Frederick Street, Birmingham on Tuesday 17 November from 10am to 12.30pm. Attendance is free and the venue easily accessible.
Each StartUp Social features insights from an industry leader who has faced the same challenges, giving attendees the chance to learn directly from someone further along the road.
This time, Charles Snape joins the line-up to share practical guidance on how to set up business finances from day one for future success. His session covers the decisions that are easiest to get right early and most expensive to fix later, from the numbers founders should be watching to the foundations that make growth possible.
The format stays deliberately relaxed. No sales pitches and no corporate script, just honest conversations between founders in their first one to three years who are building something that matters to them.
Host Becky Benbow said: “The award was lovely, but the bit I’m really proud of is what’s come out of that room. Founders have met here and gone on to work together, and a few have started something new off the back of a conversation over coffee.
“The finance side can be the intimidating bit nobody wants to think about until it bites them. Charles makes it make sense, which is exactly why I asked him.
“I’m also passionate about working directly with founders through these early years. If you want dedicated support, strategy, or just a conversation about how A Burden Shared can help your business, please reach out to me directly.
“Come ready to share, ask questions and connect properly. The best businesses aren’t built in isolation.”
