Frequently asked questions
Everything you need to know before the day
Sunday 24 January 2027 · 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 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
General tickets are £97 and VIP tickets are £147. Both include all speaker sessions, an education workbook, access to the pitch competition, tea, coffee and soft drinks, breakfast pastries and lunch, and networking. VIP also includes a goody bag, speaker meet and greet, early access and priority seating closer to the stage, and a post-event strategy session.
How do I get a ticket?Toggle answer 3
Waitlist priority access: Sunday 1 November 2026, 8:00 am UK time, via your emailed link. Public release: Monday 2 November 2026, 8:00 am UK time. Public tickets are available on 2 November only; this release closes at midnight starting 3 November. A potential December release is not yet confirmed.
Is there a ticket discount code?Toggle answer 4
Use FOUNDERS5 for 5% off VIP or General tickets until midnight at the end of Sunday 8 November 2026 (UK time).
Who is the event for?Toggle answer 5
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 6
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 7
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 ahead of the event, and the five finalists are announced live at Launchpad on Sunday 24 January 2027. They then pitch their business that same day, and the winner is chosen that day and receives the £2,500 grant, plus mentoring, publicity and ongoing business support.
How are the five finalists chosen?Toggle answer 8
Completed applications are reviewed ahead of the event, and the five finalists are announced live at Launchpad on Sunday 24 January 2027. To be considered, download the application form from the Competition page and email your completed form to hello@femalefounderslaunchpad.co.uk by Sunday 27 December 2026 — four weeks before the event.
When do the finalists pitch and when is the winner chosen?Toggle answer 9
Everything happens on one day. The five finalists are announced live at Launchpad on Sunday 24 January 2027 at the Park Hall Hotel & Spa, Wolverhampton, and then pitch their business to the judging panel that same day. Following all five pitches, the panel chooses the £2,500 grant winner that same day. There is no separate competition date or preparation period after the event.
Who can I contact about preparing for the pitch?Toggle answer 10
Email hello@femalefounderslaunchpad.co.uk with any questions about preparing your business plan or pitch. The five finalists — announced live at the event — will need to be ready to pitch their business live at Launchpad on Sunday 24 January 2027.
Are tickets refundable or transferable?Toggle answer 11
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 12
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 13
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 14
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 15
Absolutely — you can book 1–10 tickets in one transaction during the release. Waitlist priority booking opens at 8 am on 1 November 2026; public booking opens at 8 am on 2 November and closes at midnight starting 3 November (UK time).
How do I become a sponsor or founding partner?Toggle answer 16
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 17
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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