🚀 From Idea to Business: Start-Up Talks & Networking
Turn your business idea into something real — in one evening.
Got an idea you can’t stop thinking about? Or maybe you’ve been jumping between concepts but never quite made the leap?
This event is your chance to finally move from thinking to doing.
Join a room full of ambitious future founders, hear how others turned ideas into thriving businesses, and get the clarity you need to take your next step.
📅 Thursday 23rd October 2025 | 6pm–9pm
📍 South Essex College, Market Square, Basildon SS14 1GB
🍕 Food & drinks provided – limited spots available.
💡 What You’ll Get
- Inspiration from local entrepreneurs who’ve actually done it
- Practical tools to help you market yourself and find your first client
- Real talk on launching a business in 2025 (even with zero budget)
- AI shortcuts you can use to get started faster
- Networking with mentors, founders, and peers ready to collaborate
🗓️ The Line-Up
6:00pm – Arrivals & Networking
Meet fellow entrepreneurs over pizza and drinks.
6:30pm – Welcome & Introductions
Hear from Councillor Jessica Power, Jayne Sheehan and Imelda Fossu.
6:45pm – Launching a Business in 2025
Imelda Fossu introduces Launch-It and what it means to start up today.
7:05pm – Alumni Stories
Real stories from founders who’ve been where you are.
7:20pm – Fireside Chat with Nana Parry
An unfiltered chat on building, scaling, and staying sane.
8:00pm – Pizza & Networking
Grab a slice, swap ideas, and make the connections that move you forward.
🚀 About Launch-It
This event is part of Launch-It: Creative Tech Accelerator, a free 10-week programme helping local entrepreneurs turn their ideas into viable, revenue-generating businesses.
Our alumni have raised investment, created jobs, and 65% are now trading.
👉 Ready to start? Register now - limited seats, and they go fast!
Please note that we will require all attendees to provide their National Insurance number as part of our data monitoring for this event. Photography and videography will take place during this event for promotional and evaluation purposes. By attending, you consent to your image being used by South Essex College, Fossu Ltd, and associated partners in future marketing, publicity, or reporting materials. If you would prefer not to be photographed or filmed, please speak to a member of the event team on arrival.
