About The Trailblazer Connect

A stronger business starts with good people.

We believe every founder deserves a supportive network, regardless of background or stage. The Trailblazer Connect brings entrepreneurs in Maltby, Rotherham and South Yorkshire together to share practical help, useful contacts and steady encouragement.

South Yorkshire founders sharing notes around a community meeting table in a bright local workspace
Local connections. Practical progress.
Small group of local business owners talking over coffee at an informal Maltby meet-up

Our story

Why We Started

A local business owner can spend a whole week making decisions alone. The founders of The Trailblazer Connect knew that feeling, and saw how difficult it was to find accessible, down-to-earth support in the Rotherham business community.

The first meet-up began with a few local entrepreneurs, a shared table and honest conversation. It grew because people returned with questions, introductions and something useful to pass on. Today, the community is shaped by its members and the issues they bring to the room.

Support should feel close to home.

LocalRooted in Maltby and Rotherham
SharedVolunteer-led and member-shaped
PracticalBuilt around real business needs

Our principles

What We Stand For

Our mission is simple: foster entrepreneurial connections and shared growth across South Yorkshire. These values guide every gathering and workshop.

Everyone belongs

We welcome South Yorkshire founders at different stages, with different experiences and different ways of working.

Useful beats flashy

Sessions focus on clear actions, honest examples and tools members can use in the week ahead.

Progress is shared

We make room for questions, peer advice and trusted introductions that help good ideas move forward.

Local pride matters

We keep local business support connected to the people, streets and trading relationships around us.

Our approach

How We Build Community

Consistency makes a network useful. We create several simple ways to meet, learn and keep moving.

  1. 1
    Bring people together

    Regular online and in-person networking events give members a calm place to introduce their work and find common ground.

  2. 2
    Teach what members request

    Practical workshops respond to questions raised by the group, with clear examples rather than sales pitches.

  3. 3
    Keep progress visible

    Peer accountability groups help founders set a next step, report back and ask for help before a small issue grows.

  4. 4
    Share the right resource

    Members exchange trusted resources and introductions, while regular feedback keeps the programme relevant to local needs.

A place to start

Open to All Founders

Inclusive entrepreneurship means removing the awkward barriers that keep people out. Women, young entrepreneurs, over-50s, veterans, disabled, neurodivergent and ethnic minority founders are part of the same respectful community.

  • Accessible event formats
  • Clear, welcoming introductions
  • Quiet space when needed
  • Shared community standards

People behind the work

The People Behind the Community

Our organising committee and volunteer mentors give their time because local founders deserve a place where asking for help feels normal.

Davan Przyzycka speaking with founders at a South Yorkshire community workshop

Davan Przyzycka

Community chair

Sets the tone for open, useful conversations and keeps member feedback in view.

Wonga Volkaerts reviewing workshop notes with a local entrepreneur

Wonga Volkaerts

Workshop organiser

Turns member questions into focused sessions with practical takeaways.

Lasharn Qadira welcoming attendees at an informal Rotherham networking event

Lasharn Qadira

Member welcome lead

Makes first visits easier and helps new connections find a natural starting point.

Alio Callegari facilitating a peer discussion in a shared local workspace

Alio Callegari

Peer group mentor

Guides accountability groups with a warm manner and direct questions.

Nevada Caron organising resource cards for South Yorkshire founders

Nevada Caron

Resource coordinator

Keeps shared resources useful, current and connected to local support.

Your next useful conversation could start here.

Tell us what you are building and what kind of connection would help.

Get in touch