Small Business Britain launches live event to boost microbusinesses
'Small and Mighty Live' will offer a day of expert workshops, keynote talks and panel discussions with business leaders and entrepreneurs, alongside live mentoring, and networking for hundreds of microbusinesses and sole traders from across the country.
Taking place on 2 October 2025 at the Science Museum in London, it is timed to coincide with the midpoint of this autumn's Small and Mighty Enterprise Programme and bring this online event to life in an in-person format.
The Small and Mighty Enterprise programme is a free six-week course to supercharge small businesses, delivered in partnership with global small business platform Xero and university business academics at ARU Peterborough. It aims to equip the nation's 5.2 million microbusinesses and sole traders with the tools and knowledge to take their first steps towards growth.
The event marks a major milestone in the growth of the scaling programme, which has supported over 4,000 small businesses to scale since it launched in 2022. Small and Mighty Live will bring together hundreds of entrepreneurs and business experts for a high-impact day of learning, connection, and community.
Speakers include entrepreneur Mike Soutar, known for his work as an interviewer on The Apprentice and now as an adviser to the UK Government's Board of Trade, a senior speaker from Xero UK, and Professor Tom Williamson of ARU Peterborough.
Sessions will cover marketing, customer experience, SEO and PR, and the event will also feature a live strategy panel hosted by money mentor and Founder of The Money Whisperer, Emma Maslin, alongside a line-up of inspiring entrepreneurs, as well as one-to-one mentoring and networking opportunities.
This event reflects the increasing ambition of the UK's microbusinesses. Research from Small Business Britain and Xero shows that over 60% of microbusinesses plan to grow by half (50%) or more in the next five years.
'Small and Mighty Live will be a huge moment for the small business community,' said Michelle Ovens CBE, Founder of Small Business Britain.
'We've seen firsthand the incredible impact the online Small and Mighty Enterprise programme has had, empowering thousands of microbusinesses to unlock their potential and take the first steps towards growth. We are excited to bring this to life through Small and Mighty Live, which will create a unique opportunity to deepen connections, spark fresh ideas, and fuel even greater ambition. This event isn't just a celebration of opportunity and growth, it's a powerful reminder of the vital role small businesses play in driving innovation, resilience, and boosting the UK economy.'
Alongside the launch of Small and Mighty Live, applications are now open for the next cohort of the Small and Mighty Enterprise Programme, which will return on 16 September, offering 500 entrepreneurs flexible, expert-led learning, mentoring, and a step-by-step path to building a 12-month growth plan.
'The Small and Mighty Programme was incredibly useful for refocusing my business strategy. I hadn't looked at my business plan since launching, and this gave me a much-needed refresher on setting goals and using tools for growth. It left me feeling motivated, inspired, and up to speed with the latest digital trends,' said Bethany Morton, Director of Silver & Steel
Participants will benefit from live weekly training sessions, on-demand resources, one-to-one and group mentoring, and inclusion in a supportive national peer network.
'Microbusinesses are incredibly driven to grow, but they often struggle to access the tailored, practical support that truly fits their needs,' said Kate Hayward, Managing Director at Xero UK.
'The Small and Mighty Programme, and now Small and Mighty Live, directly address this gap with hands-on guidance that helps businesses take tangible steps forward. These initiatives give entrepreneurs the clarity, confidence, and tools to grow. We're proud to stand behind this vital work and continue our support for the UK's small business community.'
Professor Tom Williamson, Assistant Principal of ARU Peterborough, added: 'Our collaboration with Small Business Britain on the Small and Mighty Programme reflects our shared commitment to supporting grassroots entrepreneurship across the UK. By combining academic insight with practical learning, we're equipping microbusinesses with the strategic thinking and confidence they need to thrive. Small and Mighty Live is a powerful extension of this approach, bringing learning to life, deepening engagement, and helping entrepreneurs build meaningful futures.'
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