BUSINESSES and entrepreneurs will have a chance to learn from one another and hear inspirational speakers at Bournemouth University’s Festival of Enterprise.

The free festival, which runs from November 15-17, is now in its third year.

Festival of Enterprise director Keith Pretty, a senior lecturer in business development at Bournemouth University, said: “Our third Festival of Enterprise offers a fantastic opportunity for innovators and entrepreneurs to get inspiration and one-to-one advice for starting and growing businesses, across industries.”

He added: “The best bit is that through our strong relationships with businesses and business support organisations, we can offer the whole event free to everyone.”

The festival will take place at the university’s Talbot and Lansdowne campuses and will feature speakers at the forefront of innovation in their field.

Bournemouth University graduate and innovation consultant Matt Desmier, who runs the town’s annual Silicon Beach festival, will be among those speaking.

The events for business are: Create the Spark, focusing on entrepreneurs’ success stories, on Wednesday, November 15; Sustain the Energy, about growth, branding and culture, on November 16; and Fuel the Flames, presented in partnership with Dorset Growth Hub and focusing on growth and investment, on November 17.

Thursday November 16 also sees a workshop for students from local schools to develop their business skills.

Shelley Collins, enterprise specialist at Dorset Growth Hub, said: “Businesses and budding entrepreneurs will have the opportunity to meet the Dorset Growth Hub team and the event will provide an excellent opportunity to network with other delegates.

“There will also be a chance to book a one-to-one session with a member of the Dorset Growth Hub team with specialists from the Digital, Access to Finance and Enterprise teams available on the day.”

As well as workshops and discussions, the festival will offer one-to-one support for businesses in the areas of pre-start and start-up, supporting growth, improving digital capabilities, accessing finance and mentoring.

More information is at Bournemouth.ac.uk/enterprise, along with details of how to book free places.