International Women's Day 2026: Empower to Elevate

Join NatWest, British Business Bank and Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce to celebrate International Women’s Day 2026 and launch their annual Pitch Competition for female founders.

International Women’s Day invites us all to pause, reflect on progress, celebrate achievements, and renew our commitment to gender equity. But at its heart, IWD is a call to action, a reminder that meaningful change happens when we move beyond conversation and into collective effort.

This year’s global theme, Give to Gain, highlights a powerful truth: When we invest time, opportunity, support and belief in women, everyone benefits.

Join us for an inspiring morning dedicated to the women who are reshaping the business landscape across Greater Birmingham and beyond.

Empower to Elevate brings together founders, leaders, innovators, and allies for a celebration of ambition, resilience, and the power of community.

The annual Women Entrepreneurs Pitch Competition aims to promote high potential women led businesses in the region and create a platform for women entrepreneurs to build their investor networks, hone their pitching skills and develop their knowledge of how to attract investment.

Empower to Elevate will celebrate past participants of the competition and highlight their entrepreneurial journeys. Additionally, we will recognise the importance and impact of female entrepreneurship across the West Midlands and honour those who continue to champion female founders and support systems within the region.

What to Expect:

• Inspiring stories
• Insightful conversations
• Networking with purpose
• Opportunities for growth

Speakers:

Keynote Speaker: Eman Al-Hillawi,

Eman-Al-Hillawi, the CEO of Entec Si and our trailblazing woman of entrepreneurism, boasts an exceptionally diverse resume that captivated me. She possess a unique blend of knowledge and experience with a PhD in Biochemistry, a certified pilot license, and an impressive 26-year journey within the entrepreneurial landscape.

Panellists:

Chris French – Essench

Fran Williams – Calmness Crew

Pamela Aculey – MIXD Reality

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

2 St Philip's Place, Birmingham, B3 2RB, United Kingdom

Concerts, fests, parties, meetups - all the happenings, one place.

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