How can we create new business opportunities and make our region a better place?

The New Western Frontier is free. It’s for anyone interested in how the regional business community can create growth and deliver positive change. The Social Enterprise and Innovation Programme is funded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) to provides business support to social entrepreneurs in the west of England area; Bristol, Bath, South Gloucestershire and North Somerset. Since 2016 it has supported over 400 start-up and existing social enterprises in the West of England Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) Area.

The event offers:

• Proven commercial opportunities that can be found in the region’s most pressing problems

• Discussion and insight from business models, experts and decision makers building new solutions

• Compelling case studies from startups, SMEs and corporates from across the UK who are making business a force for good

• To learn more about the achievements of the Social Enterprise and Innovation Programme (SEIP) and the individuals and enterprises it has supported.

Featuring four expert panels:

• Skills & Jobs, chaired by Nick Sturge, Engine Shed

• Creative & Digital, chaired by Mehjabeen Patrick, Creative England

• Housing & Place, chaired by Melissa Mean, Knowle West Media Centre

• Business & Society, chaired by Dirk Rohwedder, School for Social Entrepreneurs Dartington

The New Western Frontier will create a forum for anyone interested in being part of change: The charitable, social, commercial business community, investors, communities and civic organisations already improving the region. We aim to widen, connect and strengthen a growing movement, building on learning from the SEIP programme.

Followed by a drinks reception featuring short 'lightning talks' from the business community in response to the day's discussion.

Our previous events have been oversubscribed, so please register today.

A full programme and speaker list will follow in the coming weeks.