In collaboration with Lloyds Bank

Immerse Community Gathering

Community Gathering

This is a one-of-a kind event that supports you in reshaping your connections, fuelling your ambitions, and amplifying your network.​ This is a fantastic opportunity to build connections and hear from those who are successfully navigating the business economy.
This event brings together a mix of founders, working professionals, investors, mentors, speakers, & Lloyds Bank team members to help you build connections and foster growth within the community!
What's on offer
Book a 1-2-1 mentoring session for tailored 30-minute support.
Get insights on funding beyond VC—from debt to grants and crowdfunding
Support rising founders as they showcase their products and services.
Pitch your business to peers, experts, and potential investors in an open, supportive space.

Joins us for our next Community Gathering

17 May 2025 - Aviation House, 125 Kingsway, London
Join us at our upcoming Community Gathering! We’ve got an exciting agenda in store, featuring expert speakers and engaging discussions. Mark your calendars and stay tuned for more details!
Register now

What's lined up for you

14:00 - 14:30
Introduction & Welcome
14:30 - 15:15
Beyond Investors: How Community Powers Business Success
In this inspiring 45-minute keynote, led by Oje Ohonyon, Co-founder of Beard Surgeon Limited, you’ll uncover practical strategies for building a loyal community, leveraging collective resources, and driving meaningful business growth—without relying on traditional investors. Learn how to turn your audience into advocates, tap into the power of crowdfunding, and build a business rooted in connection and purpose.
15:20 - 15:50
Think Outside The Investment Box: Exploring Alternative Funding for Founders
In this practical and insightful panel session, you’ll hear from industry experts as they unpack a range of alternative funding routes beyond traditional venture capital. From debt financing and private equity to angel investment, crowdfunding, and government grants—you’ll gain real-world advice on choosing the right option for your business stage and strategy. Leave empowered with new ideas to fund your growth, your way.
16:00 - 17:00
Mentoring, Networking & Founder Showcasing
- Mentoring Sessions: rounds will run from 16:00–16:30 and 16:40–17:10, featuring experts with experts across various industries. Sign-ups will be available on-site.
- Networking: A space designed for meaningful, structured conversations — meet peers, mentors, and community members.
- Showcasing Founders: drop by the stalls of our showcasing founders to learn more about their products and services.
17:00 - 17:30
General Networking

Meet the mentors

Join us in Birmingham for our Community Gathering!

20 Sept 2025, Birmingham
We’re bringing the Community Gathering experience to Birmingham later this year! Keep an eye out for more updates—we can’t wait to connect with you there.

Resources

Black Business Support Hub
Black British in Business & Proud Report 2022
Lloyds Bank Academy
Immerse is brought to you in partnership with Lloyds Bank