The long term positive impacts of holding an event at the West Midlands Business Festival

As the West Midlands Business Festival gets set to return from 2-13 February 2026, organisers are encouraging local businesses to get involved and host events across the region.

One of the stand-out events of 2025 was a networking event held in Walsall for Eastern European business owners from across the West Midlands. 

Organised by Sylwia Juranek, founder of Walsall-based company Reach for a Star CIC, it was the first event of its kind in the area and has since led to the creation of a business community.

Sylwia was keen to support Eastern European business owners from countries such as Croatia, Moldova, Ukraine, Romania and Poland who may not have been aware of the funding or support programmes available to them in the West Midlands. 

Exploring opportunities for growth

“I’ve hosted many events across Walsall but I didn’t realise how much the Eastern European business growth event was needed until I created it,” said Sylwia. 

“I wanted to bring a minority community together, not only to explore funding and practical support, but to help grow their networks, exchange experiences and support each other through challenges.”

Reach for a Star is a community interest company that supports social care providers and early-stage social care businesses. Their services include helping to improve Care Quality Commission ratings, providing coaching for employers and delivering community projects, one of which – called ‘Women on the Go’ - was nominated for the BBC’s Make a Difference Awards.

Sylwia believes that hosting an event as part of the West Midlands Business Festival is a great opportunity for businesses to add value for the local community, as well as sharing their knowledge and helping to generate sales. 

She said: “It was a fantastic day at The Walsall Hub, attended by over 20 businesses from many different industries from accounting to technology. We had speakers about funding opportunities and the rise of artificial intelligence. The feedback from delegates was so positive that we’ve since created follow-up networking events and a WhatsApp group.”

Be part of the 2026 West Midlands Business Festival

The two-week programme of free events for 2026 will bring our business community together to ignite innovation, share expertise and spark collaboration.

Businesses across the West Midlands Combined Authority region can apply to host an event. This can involve incorporating their existing business activities into the festival’s schedule or creating new events ranging from seminars and insight events to product launches.

Express your interest in hosting an event as part of the West Midlands Business Festival 2026.

If you have any questions, email the West Midlands Business Festival 2026 team at hello@wmbf.co.uk.