Launchpad Southend

The Elevation Lab - Rochford District
2026-02-25 10:30 - 2026-03-18 13:00 (Europe/Paris) | Rayleigh Club, Hullbridge Road, Rayleigh, Essex, SS69QS
Designed for 20 ambitious managers and business owners, this programme provides a powerful blend of strategic learning, practical tools, and personalised support to help participants lead with confidence and accelerate business growth.

Over the course of the programme, participants will gain access to more than £2,000 worth of high-quality professional development, including hands-on workshops, expert mentoring, and ongoing guidance tailored to their business challenges.

The 4 workshops in this programme include:

Innovation: Building a Future-Ready Business
25th February 2026 – 10.30 am – 1 pm
This workshop equips participants with the mindset, tools, and practical frameworks needed to build an innovative, resilient, and future-ready organisation. The session focuses on identifying growth opportunities, navigating disruption, and embedding innovation into everyday decision-making. By the end, participants will have a clear roadmap for strengthening their organisation’s adaptability and long-term competitiveness.

2. Funding Innovation: Finance Readiness and Success
4th March 2026 – 10.30 am – 1 pm
This workshop demystifies the innovation funding landscape, helping participants prepare their business for investment or grant success. Participants will learn how to assess financial readiness, articulate value clearly, and match their innovation to the right funding sources—including grants, loans, private investment, and partnerships. Get guidance on refining financial projections, strengthening business cases, and avoiding common pitfalls. By the end of the session, participants will understand what funders look for and will leave with the confidence and tools to pursue funding effectively.

3. Marketing for Growth
11th March 2026 – 10.30 am – 1 pm
This practical, interactive workshop is designed to help businesses create clear, compelling marketing that supports sustainable growth. Participants will work on defining strong, consistent messaging, improving the customer journey at every touchpoint, and engaging customers more effectively to maximise existing resources. The session will also explore how purposeful engagement can drive retention and growth, alongside practical ways to use measurement and data to track performance, understand what’s working, and make informed marketing decisions that support long-term success.

4. Pitch Perfect: Communicating Your Innovation Story
18th March 2026 – 10.30 am – 1 pm
This workshop helps participants craft a compelling and confident pitch that brings their innovation to life. Through guided practice, participants learn how to structure their narrative, connect with their audience, and communicate complex ideas with clarity and impact. The session covers storytelling techniques, pitch deck essentials, and delivery skills for both in-person and virtual settings. By the end, participants will have a polished pitch outline and the skills to present their innovation in a way that inspires action—whether for customers, partners, or investors.

Please note: This programme is for business leaders and managers based in the Rochford District of Essex.

The Innovate and Elevate Rochford District Programme is funded by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.

The UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) is a UK Government initiative providing funding for local investments to support the government’s five national missions, including economic growth, making the UK a clean energy superpower, and breaking down barriers to opportunity. From April 2025 to March 2026, UKSPF will continue to support local projects focused on communities and place, supporting local businesses, and people and skills. For more information, visit https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/uk-shared-prosperity-fund-prospectus
