University's City Campus to host showcase of business enterprise in Gloucester

University of Gloucestershire’s City Campus is hosting a showcase of the city’s budding entrepreneurs and young business owners who have made the shortlist for an exciting business support initiative in partnership with Gloucester City Council.  

Being held on Monday, 2 March 2026 (3pm-5pm), the Business Showcase event is a continuation of Do Your Thing! Your Idea, Your Way, which provides young people aged 18-30 with the opportunity to submit their business ideas for a chance to win £2,000 to help get their business off the ground.

Shortlisted candidates will present and pitch their businesses to the public at City Campus in King’s Square, followed by a public vote and private panel vote to determine the five winners.

The businesses that will be presenting include Cotswold Cleantech Energy, a UK-based clean-tech start-up developing innovative low-carbon energy solutions; Dark Kitchen for Elderly Nutrition, a delivery-only kitchen focused on nutritionally optimised meals for people aged 65 and older; HumAIn, a human-centred AI consultancy supporting charities, not-for-profits, and mission driven organisations.

The Do Your Thing! Your Idea, Your Way Business Showcase event will also feature a talk from funding providers, Gloucester City Council, and opportunities for networking with local businesses, partners and entrepreneurs.

As a Gloucester city centre-focused competition, Gloucester-based small businesses, competition partners, and the general public – along with University of Gloucestershire students and staff – are all invited to attend, with registration for places now open.

Alex Cottrell, Head of External Relationships at the University, said: “We are excited to be able to bring together local businesses, partners and future entrepreneurs at University of Gloucestershire’s new City Campus as part of the Do Your Thing! Your Idea, Your Way awards.

“The competition provides a brilliant opportunity for local young people to showcase their business ideas to the local community, gain visibility and compete for one of the five awards of up to £2000.

“The event will be a celebration of creativity, innovation and entrepreneurship in Gloucester, giving local businesses, partners and the public the chance to connect, learn and shape the business landscape of our city.”

Councillor Jeremy Hilton, leader of Gloucester City Council, said: “We’re delighted to be supporting young entrepreneurs and small businesses, and helping to showcase the wealth of talent we have locally.

“There are some great ideas here that have potential to address social issues as well as larger challenges such as climate change and supporting Gloucester’s economy.

“I would urge as many people as possible to attend to find out more about how we can support the next generation of business leaders.”

Picture: Young entrepreneurs pitching their business ideas