Make your mark: The art of entrepreneurship

What do artists and entrepreneurs have in common? More than you might think.

Both start with an idea. Both create something from nothing. Both experiment, adapt, solve problems and find ways to make things happen with the resources they have.

Both need the confidence to do things differently. And ultimately, both are looking to make their mark.

Join fellow entrepreneurs and small business owners from Surrey, Hampshire and Berkshire for a relaxed and inspiring evening bringing together art, entrepreneurial stories, fresh thinking and great connections.

This is a special in-person addition to Enterprise Nation's regular small business local meet-up calendar – taking our entrepreneur community beyond the screen and into an environment designed to inspire different conversations and perspectives.

Art, entrepreneurship and making your mark

As part of the evening, you'll enjoy an exclusive preview of one of Kaizen Fine Art's upcoming exhibitions, with artist Tatia Starkey – granddaughter of Beatles legend Ringo Starr – joining us to share a few words about her work and distinctive creative approach.

You'll also hear from Kaizen founder James Thompson, sharing the reality behind his own entrepreneurial journey – including the ideas, failures, pivots, resourcefulness and lessons involved in building the gallery into what it is today.

Enterprise Nation Local Leader Jarmila Yu will bring another perspective to the conversation, sharing thoughts on building brand confidence, standing out and growing your business with greater intention.

But this isn't an evening of sitting and listening.

It's an opportunity to step away from the desk, meet other entrepreneurs, exchange ideas and give your mind some space to discover, wander and percolate.

Because sometimes a different environment, an unexpected conversation or seeing something through somebody else's eyes can spark the idea or connection you didn't know you were looking for.

A word from your Local Leader, Jarmila Yu:

"Through my extensive work supporting entrepreneurs, founders and business leaders, I've learned just how much our environment can influence the way we think, connect, create and ultimately perform.

"Across Surrey, Hampshire and Berkshire, we have a vibrant and diverse business ecosystem, home to innovative entrepreneurs, exciting start-ups and businesses with high-growth potential. I believe the experiences we create for that community should reflect and encourage that same vibrancy.

"That's the thinking behind these special in-person meet-ups. I want to take our entrepreneur community into inspiring and unexpected spaces across the region, creating the conditions for curiosity, fresh thinking, meaningful connections and those all-important lightbulb moments.

"As Enterprise Nation's Local Leader for Surrey, Hampshire and Berkshire, I'm delighted Enterprise Nation is supporting me in bringing this initiative to life, and I can't think of a better place to begin than surrounded by creativity at Kaizen Fine Art."

Why come along?

• Connect with fellow entrepreneurs and small business owners from across Surrey, Hampshire and Berkshire
• Hear the real story behind building and evolving an entrepreneurial business
• Explore the parallels between creativity, resourcefulness and entrepreneurship
• Gain fresh perspectives on brand confidence, standing out and intentional growth
• Enjoy an exclusive exhibition preview and hear from artist Tatia Starkey
• Step away from the day-to-day and make space for new ideas and connections
• Enjoy drinks and canapés surrounded by contemporary art
• Support creativity in the local community

Booking essential. Tickets to attend are priced at £5 per person payable at the door on the evening directly to Kaizen and includes complimentary drinks (soft and fizz will be available) and a raffle ticket into the Charity Raffle.

A small selection of prizes kindly donated by Kaizen Fine Art Gallery. Proceeds all going to Kaizen's local charity art project.

Additional raffle tickets will be available for sale on the evening £5 per strip of 3 tickets to increase your chances of winning and to increase the fundraising towards the local charity art project.

Strictly no walk-ins – please kindly register your attendance so we can manage attendance numbers by booking your place.

If you find you're unable to attend, please cancel your place by 28 September.

About Enterprise Nation

These sessions are open to everyone – you don't need to be an Enterprise Nation member to attend.

Not a member yet? Signing up is free and gives you access to a range of resources to help you start and grow your business. Find out more at enterprisenation.com.