With the theme Resilience Rocks, winners gathered at Birmingham ICC

On Friday 20th February, the ICC Birmingham opened its doors to more than 1,000 small business owners for the annual #SBS Small Business Sunday Event, the theme this year: Resilience Rocks. Founded and hosted by Theo Paphitis, the event is a key date out of the office for entrepreneurs seeking to learn, share ideas and build meaningful connections.

TV Dragon and Small Business Advocate, Theo Paphitis, said: “#SBS Small Business Sunday is about more than recognition – it’s about belief: belief in ideas, entrepreneurs and the power of community. With over 4,500 members, and thanks to our incredible partners who share that belief, #SBS has spent 15 years helping small businesses grow. When you back small businesses, you’re backing people, families and futures.”

Theo opened the day with a series of updates and new opportunities for #SBS members. Among them was the launch of a new #SBS Award at the Enterprise Vision Awards, offering members the chance to take part in the UK’s largest celebration of female entrepreneurship, and the returning opportunity to win one of 12 free stands at Spring Fair 2027, one of the country’s biggest trade shows. He also confirmed the continued rollout of the #SBS x Lifestyle Gift Card, created to help consumers support small businesses directly, and announced plans for the #SBS Regional Business Bootcamps in partnership with NatWest Business, which will take place across the UK throughout the next year.

A highlight of the day was the #SBS x NatWest Accelerator Live Pitch Competition. Three entrepreneurs – Kate Taylor (Evenly, Dorset), Charlotte Giddings (Brownie and the Bean, Suffolk), and Sarah Howick & Georgina Hammond (A Noble Gift, Kent) – took to the main stage to pitch for a share of £10,000, kindly donated by NatWest Accelerator, and mentoring support. The competition highlighted the drive, creativity and resilience that define the #SBS community.

The event also featured an impressive line-up of speakers and panels. Delegates heard a thought-provoking discussion on resilience from a panel of small business owners, gained practical insights from TikTok Shop and enjoyed an inspiring fireside chat between Theo Paphitis and Katie Piper OBE, who shared her powerful story of recovery and determination.

Free to attend and packed with insight, #SBSEvent2026 once again showed why Small Business Sunday is a key date in the UK’s entrepreneurial calendar. Now more than 15 years strong, #SBS continues to provide a genuine platform for small business growth, collaboration and inspiration.

To enter your business simply visit www.theopaphitissbs.com

Paul Mirage with the Godfather of Small Businesses Theo Paphitis

Paul Mirage with the legend Kypros Kyprianou

Business Connect Magazine was proud to once again support the #SBS community as an official media supporter for the third consecutive year. The event brought together an inspiring group of entrepreneurs, many of whom started their businesses from their kitchen tables and have grown them through passion, resilience and determination.

Paul Mirage, Owner and Director of Business Connect Magazine, said: “It has been an honour to be selected as an independent publisher to work alongside my favourite Dragon The Godfather of Small Businesses Theo Paphitis.

Special thanks to Jess Littlewood, Thea Carter of the incredible #SBS team. Their support over the past several years has meant a great deal to both me personally and to Business Connect Magazine. We are proud to continue championing the small business community across the country.”

“Great to catch up with opening host Kypros Kyprianou who did an amazing job of opening up the event.”

If you are a business start up, get involved and see what’s on offer to help you and your business!