In collaboration with Lloyds

Immerse Community Gathering

Community Gathering

This is a one-of-a kind event that supports you in reshaping your connections, fuelling your ambitions, and amplifying your network.​ This is a fantastic opportunity to build connections and hear from those who are successfully navigating the business economy.
This event brings together a mix of founders, working professionals, investors, mentors, speakers, & Lloyds team members to help you build connections and foster growth within the community!

Joins us for our next Community Gathering

2026 Dates to be announced.
We're so excited to bring Community Gathering back to Birmingham! This is your chance to join a vibrant community of founders, creatives, and innovators, and gain the insight, support, and connections you need to grow your business with confidence.

This event is where ambitious ideas meet real-world support. Designed for businesses at all stages, we're offering practical mentoring, expert-led discussions, and powerful networking, all designed to help you navigate uncertainty, unlock funding opportunities, and build a business that lasts.
Register interest
What's on offer
Book a 1-2-1 mentoring session for tailored 30-minute support.
Get insights on how to drive sustainable growth through finance and innovation.
Support rising founders as they showcase their products and services.
Pitch your business to peers, experts, and potential investors in an open, supportive space.

What's lined up for you

14:00 - 14:30
Introduction & Welcome
14:30 - 15:15
Beyond Investors: How Community Powers Business Success
In this inspiring 45-minute keynote, led by Oje Ohonyon, Co-founder of Beard Surgeon Limited, you’ll uncover practical strategies for building a loyal community, leveraging collective resources, and driving meaningful business growth—without relying on traditional investors. Learn how to turn your audience into advocates, tap into the power of crowdfunding, and build a business rooted in connection and purpose.
15:20 - 15:50
Think Outside The Investment Box: Exploring Alternative Finance for Founders
In this practical and insightful panel session, you’ll hear from industry experts as they unpack a range of alternative funding routes beyond traditional venture capital. From debt financing and private equity to angel investment, crowdfunding, and government grants—you’ll gain real-world advice on choosing the right option for your business stage and strategy. Leave empowered with new ideas to fund your growth, your way.
16:00 - 17:00
Mentoring, Networking & Founder Showcasing
- Mentoring Sessions: rounds will run from 16:00–16:30 and 16:40–17:10, featuring experts with experts across various industries. Sign-ups will be available on-site.
- Networking: A space designed for meaningful, structured conversations — meet peers, mentors, and community members.
- Showcasing Founders: drop by the stalls of our showcasing founders to learn more about their products and services.
17:00 - 17:30
General Networking

Meet the facilitators

Resources

Black Business Support Hub
The Black Entrepreneurs Programme: Progress Report
Lloyds Academy
Immerse is brought to you in partnership with Lloyds