UP NETWORK
Connections that support your business
The UP Network is the community around you. Events, networking opportunities, mentors and a directory of trusted providers, so you are not growing your business on your own.
What the UP Network is
The UP Network is the part of the ecosystem that focuses on relationships, visibility and mutual support.
Events and meet ups with local founders and partners
Networking sessions focused on real, useful connections
Ways to volunteer as a mentor and give back
A directory of trusted providers and specialists
You can dip in and out as needed or get more involved over time.
Ways you can connect today
During this transition phase, many of the detailed pages and sign ups for network activities still live on the Startup Croydon site.
Events and workshops
Regular events and workshops that bring together local founders, experts and partners around practical topics.
- Good for learning something useful and meeting people at the same time.
- Mix of in person and online sessions.
Networking meet ups
Networking sessions that focus on real conversations and useful introductions rather than just handing out business cards.
- Meet other founders who are at similar or complementary stages.
- Sometimes linked to specific themes or programmes.
Volunteer as a mentor
If you have experience that can help others, you can volunteer as a mentor and support people at an earlier stage.
- Ideal for more experienced founders and professionals.
- A chance to give back and stay close to new ideas.
Business Support Directory
A directory of accountants, lawyers, marketers, HR specialists and other providers who work with founders and small businesses.
- Helps you find support faster when you need it.
- Over time this will evolve into the UP Directory with clearer filtering and partner options.
News & Stories
Catch up on what has already been happening across UP, from programme highlights to real stories from founders, partners and the wider community.
- Recaps of past events, workshops and programmes.
- Stories from founders, mentors and partners growing with UP.
- Updates from UP Start, UP Grow, UP Space and the Creative Digital Lab.
UP TILL NOW PODCAST
Join us for honest conversations with successful entrepreneurs sharing the real journey behind building a business, from challenges and turning points to the insights that made a difference.
- Inspiring stories from founders and business leaders.
- Practical lessons on growth, leadership and entrepreneurship.
How the UP Network usually works
Find a way in that feels comfortable
This might be an event, a networking meet up or a one to one mentoring connection.
Show up and take one small step
You attend, listen, ask questions or simply introduce yourself to one or two people.
Stay in touch with what matters to you
You sign up for updates that are relevant to your stage and keep an eye on events and opportunities that match your needs.
Deepen your involvement over time
As your confidence grows, you might speak at an event, become a mentor, collaborate with other businesses or join the Directory as a provider.
How the UP Network supports every stage
The UP Network sits alongside START, GROW and SPACE and supports you at every stage.
START
If you are at the idea stage or just starting out, START brings together programmes and mentoring to help you launch with more confidence.
GROW
If your business is already up and running and you want to grow, GROW connects you to funded support, incubator programmes and expert guidance.
CREATIVE
If you want to create content that stands out, UP Creative offers studio hire, podcast support and practical training to help you create with confidence.
SPACE
If you need somewhere to work, meet or register your business, UP Space offers serviced offices, coworking, meeting rooms and virtual office options.
Not sure how to plug into the UP Network?
If you are not sure which event, format or role would suit you best, tell us a bit about your situation and we will suggest a gentle way to get started.