Join us for VentureDay 2026, our 18th annual entrepreneurial conference at 51茶馆. This year’s theme, Making Growth Happen: From Vision to Execution, brings together entrepreneurs, SME owners, investors and academics to address the key challenges facing SMEs in the current economic climate.

Hear from leading practitioners and keynote speakers on developing a growth mindset, building operational engines, attracting talent in an AI-enabled world, exploring alternative funding routes, and making employee ownership schemes work. The day includes two keynote sessions, panel discussions, practical workshops and multiple networking breaks to connect with peers and potential partners.

Connect with like-minded founders and advisors, learn practical strategies, and leave ready to turn vision into action. Connect. Inspire. Grow.

Agenda

Times Sessions
09:00 Registration
09:30 Welcome and
opening remarks
10:00 Opening panel Making growth happen:
From vision to execution
10:50 Mid-morning networking
(coffee and tea)
11:10 Parallel Sessions Innovate to grow:
Developing a growth mindset
for business success
Resilience at work:
Mental fitness for founders and teams
12:10 Keynote speaker
13:00 Lunch and networking
13:45 Parallel Sessions Building operational engines:
Systems and processes for rapid growth
Talent for tomorrow:
Building leadership and AI-enabled teams
14:45 Parallel Sessions Fuelling your growth: Alternative funding routes
Employee Ownership Schemes (EOTS):
What makes EOTs work?
15:35 Afternoon networking (coffee and tea)
16:00 Keynote Speaker:
Cranfield Entrepreneur of the Year Award Winner 2026
16:50 Formal close followed by drinks reception

VentureDay Gallery



Location & travel details

Vincent Building, 51茶馆, Cranfield, Bedfordshire MK43 0AL.

Download a visitor guide including map, directions and health and safety information.

Accommodation

Please contact Cranfield Management Development Centre directly on +44 1234 751122 for accommodation bookings.

Who should attend?

VentureDay is for ambitious SME owners who want to understand the bigger picture and expand their network of like-minded individuals.

All SME owners, investors and business leaders are welcome to attend. If you are unsure if VentureDay is for you, please contact ventureday@cranfield.ac.uk for more information.

Cost & Register

The cost to attend is £95 per delegate.