We are thrilled to announce the launch of the application process for our first-ever Female Entrepreneurs Trade Mission to Leeds, taking place from September 23rd to 26th, 2025 — during the dynamic Leeds Digital Festival.
This unique initiative is designed to empower and connect Bulgarian female entrepreneurs with some of the UK’s most influential leaders in innovation, tech, and female-led enterprise. Alongside attending the festival’s inspiring lineup of events, our delegates will benefit from an exclusive, tailor-made agenda that opens doors to networking, collaboration, and growth opportunities in the UK.
Highlights of the Mission:
📍 September 23 – Arrival via London
4.30 pm: Tech Tuesday, co-hosted by Barclays Eagle Lab and Mills & Reeve
📍 September 24 – Innovation, Investment & Influence
10.30 am: Morning panel breakfast at Avenue HQ, Savannah Bensley, Business Development Manager for Avenue HQ, in conversation with three people:
Sharon Jandu MBE, Chairwoman of the Federation of Small Business North,
Charlotte Scott, deal scout for multiple VCs,
Helen Gibson OBE, speaking on female empowerment
02.00 pm: Fireside chat with Jordan Dargue, Vanessa Walton, and Zandra Moore, Lifted Ventures – the premier female group outside London. Lifted is renown for running impactful programs, securing funding, and facilitating elite networking opportunities. The event will take place at the Mills and Reeve.
05.00 pm: FinTech North Networking
📍 September 25 – Ecosystems & Inspiration
• Morning: Leeds Digital Festival sessions
11.30 am: David Summerbell Ecosystem Manager, Barclays Eagle Lab, will host a fireside chat with Claire Clark, at Avenue HQ. David will discuss the Barclays Eagle Lab programme and his collaboration with Claire to establish a women’s entrepreneur group, which Claire has been leading.
01.30 pm: Afternoon panel at Avenue HQ with Sarah Kelly (MD, Avenue HQ). Across 3 sites Avenue HQ host 1400 businesses and Sarah is going to talk about her journey and how to build a co-working space and why working in one will help you grow.
02.30 pm: Networking drinks at Avenue HQ
📍 September 26 – Final Insights & Departure
11.00 am: Panel discussion at the British Chambers of Commerce, London (guests and agenda TBC)
• Afternoon return flight to Bulgaria
🔗 Applications are now open!
This is a fantastic opportunity to grow your network, explore international business potential, and get inspired by the trailblazers of the UK’s female entrepreneurial scene.
Spots are limited – so don’t miss out. Apply today and join us for this empowering journey! Participation is free of charge for BBCC members, and 200GBP for non-members. Travel and accommodation are separately covered by delegates.
For more information and to apply, please contact office@bbcc.bg.