Japaflex TradeFest: The celebration of small business, community, and connection

Japaflex TradeFest is a one-day exhibition and marketplace designed to give small businesses the sales and visibility they deserve — and to give you, our community, a day packed with discovery, culture, food, and entrepreneurial energy.

Brilliant small businesses struggle to get in front of the customers who would love them. Rising costs, limited marketing budgets, and the challenge of standing out online mean that some of the best products and services in the Tees Valley go undiscovered. TradeFest exists to change that.

TradeFest is a free-to-attend exhibition where dozens of small businesses - many founded by members of our diaspora and local communities - come together under one roof to showcase what they do best. Think of it as a marketplace, a networking event, and a community festival rolled into one.

What to Expect on the Day

A vibrant vendor marketplace for residents in the region to browse and buy directly from small businesses across fashion, food, beauty, crafts, services, and more. Every stall represents a founder with a story, and this is your chance to meet them, hear those stories, and support them directly.

There will also be abundant food and flavour. Expect a rich mix of cuisines reflecting the diversity of the outer community. In addition, there will be live music, performances and entertainment.

Whether you're a founder looking to meet fellow entrepreneurs, a newcomer to the area looking to plug into the community, or simply curious about what local businesses are building, TradeFest is where those connections happen.

Date: Saturday, 1st August

Venue: International Community Centre, 7 Abingdon road, Middlesbrough

Entry: Free to attend

Small businesses are the heartbeat of this mission. They're often the first place newcomers find familiar flavours, trusted services, and a sense of home. They're also where local residents discover the richness that diverse communities bring. TradeFest is our way of shining a spotlight on them, and creating real economic opportunity in the process. Make it a DATE.