Frequently asked questions
Everything you need to know before the day
Sunday 24 January 2027 · Ramada Park Hall Hotel & Spa, Wolverhampton. If your question isn't answered here, email hello@femalefounderslaunchpad.co.uk and we'll come straight back to you.
When and where is the Launchpad taking place?Toggle answer 1
Sunday 24 January 2027 at the Ramada Park Hall Hotel & Spa, Park Drive, Goldthorn Park, Wolverhampton WV4 5AJ — a Grade II listed Georgian mansion with elegant event spaces, landscaped gardens and free on-site parking.
How much is a ticket and what does it include?Toggle answer 2
The event is seated over two floors. Ground floor seating is £109 and upper floor seating is £89. Both tickets include full access to the day: practical workshops, keynote speakers, expert advice clinics, networking sessions and the live pitch competition final. Refreshments are provided.
Who is the event for?Toggle answer 3
Women aged 18 and over across the Midlands — aspiring entrepreneurs, side-hustle founders, career changers, students, mothers returning to work, freelancers and early-stage business owners. You do not need an existing business to attend.
Do I need a business idea to come along?Toggle answer 4
No. Many attendees arrive with nothing more than curiosity. The workshops are designed to help you shape an idea, test it and understand the practical steps to starting up.
How does the £2,500 business grant competition work?Toggle answer 5
After booking your ticket you can download the pitch competition application form from the Competition page, complete it and email it back to hello@femalefounderslaunchpad.co.uk. The form includes a field for your ticket reference. Completed applications must be submitted no later than 4 weeks prior to the event (by Sunday 27 December 2026). Applications are reviewed after the closing date and the five finalists are announced LIVE at the event. Finalists then have two weeks to complete their business plan and perfect their pitch before competing for the £2,500 grant, plus mentoring, publicity and ongoing business support.
When are the five finalists announced?Toggle answer 6
The five finalists are announced LIVE at the Launchpad event on Sunday 24 January 2027. To be considered you must download the application form from the Competition page and email your completed form back to us. Everyone who applied is also notified by email after the event.
What happens during the two-week preparation window?Toggle answer 7
From the moment finalists are announced LIVE at the event, you have two weeks to put your business plan together and perfect your pitch. The pitch competition date and location are emailed to each finalist.
How do finalists submit their business plan?Toggle answer 8
Email your completed business plan and slide deck as PDFs to hello@femalefounderslaunchpad.co.uk before the deadline confirmed in your finalist email — normally the end of the two-week preparation window. Include your ticket reference on the front page and name your file FirstName-LastName-BusinessPlan.pdf. Bring a copy on a USB stick to the competition as a backup.
Are tickets refundable or transferable?Toggle answer 9
Tickets are non-refundable, but they are transferable. If you can no longer attend, email us at hello@femalefounderslaunchpad.co.uk and we will move your ticket to someone else's name.
I have dietary or access requirements — how do I let you know?Toggle answer 10
There is a field for dietary and access requirements when you book. If anything changes, email hello@femalefounderslaunchpad.co.uk and we will make arrangements with the venue.
Is the venue accessible?Toggle answer 11
Yes. The venue is step-free and accessible. Tell us about any specific requirements when booking so we can support you properly on the day.
What should I bring?Toggle answer 12
Bring a notebook, business cards if you have them, and any questions for the expert clinics. Everything else is provided.
Can I bring a friend or colleague?Toggle answer 13
Absolutely — you can book multiple tickets in one transaction. Simply increase the quantity at checkout.
How do I become a sponsor or founding partner?Toggle answer 14
Visit the Sponsors page to read about founding partner opportunities and request our Sponsorship Prospectus, or email hello@femalefounderslaunchpad.co.uk.
Can my small business exhibit at the event?Toggle answer 15
Yes. A limited number of exhibition spaces are available for small female-led businesses. Email hello@femalefounderslaunchpad.co.uk telling us about your business and we will get back to you with pricing and availability.
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