YSJ Enterprise Academy launch & Gala dinner

Where Innovation, Leadership and Opportunity Shape the Future

YSJ Enterprise Academy launch & gala dinner

Join us for an inspiring evening to celebrate the launch of the YSJ Enterprise Academy.

The YSJ Enterprise Academy is part of York St John University’s wider commitment to supporting enterprise, employability, innovation, and student opportunity in our region.

This launch event focuses on developing stronger connections between students, local businesses, employers, entrepreneurs, university staff, and industry leaders.

The evening will provide local businesses and organisations with opportunities to:

• Connect with ambitious York St John University business students, including Business Consultancy Programme students, Venture Creation Lab placement students, and students from international MSc and MBA programmes.
• Meet university staff involved in enterprise, employability, placements, and student development.
• Build relationships with local businesses, employers, entrepreneurs, and professionals
• Explore opportunities for placements, collaboration, business consultancy, mentoring, and future partnership.
• Raise the visibility of their organisation through networking, introductions, and event engagement.
• Hear from inspiring speakers on enterprise, innovation, leadership, and the future of business in the region.
• Enjoy a three-course meal, entertainment, and an evening of celebration

An inspiring evening of enterprise and connection

Guests will hear from speakers who will share insights on innovation, leadership, enterprise, business growth, AI for business and the skills needed to shape the future of business. The event will also create space for students, employers, and university representatives to engage in meaningful conversations about opportunities to work together, employability, and enterprise.

For students, this is an opportunity to meet employers, develop professional connections, and gain exposure to business leaders, entrepreneurs, and organisations who are actively interested in emerging talent.

This event is ideal for:

• Local businesses and employers
• Entrepreneurs and business leaders
• Organisations interested in student placements or graduate talent
• Professionals interested in enterprise, innovation, and employability
• York St John University students interested in business, enterprise, leadership, and professional development
• University staff and partners connected to enterprise, placements, employability, and student success

Event Details:

Date: Friday 24 July 2026
Time: 6:00 PM
Location: The Dining Room extension, York St John University
Cost: £30 Students*, £40 General Release.

Discounted tables of 5 and 10 available.

Ticket includes: Three-course meal and entertainment.

Menu:

Starter

Garlic, Mushroom & Herb Crostini.

OR

Whitby crab pate on Melba Toast.

Mains

Beer Battered Haddock Fillet served with Chunky Chips and Pea Puree.

OR

Asparagus & Goats Cheese Pithivier served with seasonal Green Vegetables and New Potatoes.

Desserts

Rhubarb Fool with Shortbread Biscuits

OR

Summer Fruits Cocktail

Order of the evening:

6:00pm Arrival drinks on the Terrace

6:30pm To be seated

6:45pm Welcome speeches

7:15pm Dinner to be severed

8:30pm Speaker: Andrew Bettany

9:30pm Networking, Business stalls to be open, DJ

10:30pm Event to end

Student tickets:

A discounted rate is available for students who wish to attend. Students supporting the organisation and delivery of the event will not be required to pay.

For questions about the event, please contact:

b.lewis@yorksj.ac.uk

An evening to remember.

DRESS CODE:

Smart, Business like...