Welcome to The Great Big Small Business Festival!. This week of celebration of all things local business was launched over three years ago and has grown every year since. Headed up by E-factor and the Business Hive, there is the area’s largest business expo, The Great Big Small Awards ceremony, Business workshops, and a host of tours of some of the most iconic industries in the area.
There is also a chance for every local business to run their own event and take advantage of the publicity of Festival week. From site visits to expert workshops, if you have something to share, let us know what event you are planning and we will add it to our list. This is a chance to celebrate what it is to be part of the local business community and to promote your business to thousands of prospective customers at the same time.
Host an event at Festival Week 2024
We are looking for event partners to host a business workshop, masterclass, drop-in session, networking or tours. The aim is educate and enlighten the local community, bringing people together showcase your business.
What’s included?
Your event will be included in our promotional material, both printed and on the website. It will also form part of our social media campaign for festival week. Promotion is free for Business Hive Members and there is a small admin fee of £25+VAT for non-members.
Next Steps
Fill out the event form, send it over to the team and be part of the fantastic week of business collaboration and learning.
Monday 30th September
Business Hive Live
08:30-10:00 (Breakfast Networking)
10:00-16:30 (Expo & Speaker Events)
The Great Big Small Business Festival (GBSBF) week kicks off with the unmissable Business Hive Live, a day created to ignite connections and unlock new business opportunities. It provides a platform for businesses, entrepreneurs, artisans, and creators to connect with customers, network with like-minded professionals, and gain invaluable insights from industry experts.
With over 50 exhibitors from businesses across Northern Lincolnshire and hundreds of professionals coming through the doors, we also have fantastic guest speakers covering a range of current and engaging topics.
We do hope you can join us for the biggest business expo in Northern Lincolnshire.
For more information on the event please click here.
Tuesday 1st October
Orsted East Coast Hub Tour
09:00-10:30 & 10:45-12:15
See behind the scenes of the Orsted East Coast Hub (ECH), the world’s largest offshore wind operations and maintenance base operating six offshore wind farms including the world’s largest, Hornsea 2. Today, the ECH located on the Port of Grimsby is providing enough green electricity for over 3.3 million homes and with Hornsea 3 and 4 to come, Orsted are on track to power 1 in 4 UK homes from Grimsby.
Learn more about one of the largest windfarm businesses Orsted, who have become an integral part of the North East Lincolnshire business community and supply chain.
There are two tours taking place in the morning and there is space for only 10 people per tour.
Prior to event you will be asked to submit ID as this is a closed site.
For more information and to book your place please click here.
Wednesday 2nd October
Be Your Own Boss
09:00-16:30
The Be Your Own Boss, one day workshop covers all the essential elements you need to consider in making that important decision. If you are based within the North East Lincolnshire area you may be eligible for this workshop.
Whether you are just starting to think seriously about starting up or perhaps have already taken the plunge and are still in the first couple of months of trading, this free one-day workshop will set you on the right course for success.
For more information and to book your place please click here.
Thursday 3rd October
My Energi Tour
14:00-15:00 & 15:00-16:00
Details TBC
Friday 4th October
Great Big Small Awards
18:00-Late
The Great Big Small Awards, entirely dedicated to recognising small local business and entrepreneurs.
Businesses like yours play such an important part in our economy and community, so we are thrilled to be able to shine a spotlight on local business and entrepreneurship and recognise the huge amount of work that goes into running a small business.
Click here to enter for an award and book your seats at the biggest celebration of local business in 2024.
Sponsorship Opportunities Available
