SMEs offered front-row seats at 2027 global showcase
Invictus Games Birmingham 2027 are inviting local small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to be at the heart of the globally significant event.
The Champions Programme offers regional businesses a rare opportunity to align with this world-class sporting movement rooted in resilience, recovery and reinvention.
Founded by Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, in 2014, the Invictus Games celebrate the strength and determination of wounded and sick servicemen and women.
Far more than a sports competition, the Games serve as a platform for personal healing, family reconnection and global advocacy around the lived experiences of veterans.
For Birmingham, hosting the 2027 edition at the NEC Campus represents both a civic honour and a major economic opportunity.
A city with purpose
With the British armed forces’ unique links to the Midlands, the 2027 Games promise to be the most cohesive and accessible, as well as the most emotional, in the event’s history.
The region is internationally recognised for its leadership in defence medicine. Queen Elizabeth Hospital (QE), the Royal College of Defence Medicine, and the Defence Medical Rehabilitation Centre all play crucial roles in the care and training of armed forces personnel. Fisher House, located adjacent to QE, provides critical support to families during rehabilitation.
According to organisers, this makes Birmingham the natural home for the Invictus movement – a city where cutting-edge medical expertise intersects with a proud military legacy and a dynamic business ecosystem.
Opportunity on the doorstep
The Champions Programme offers participants access to exclusive marketing opportunities, high-profile brand activations, and meaningful involvement in community-driven projects.
“Whether through supplier contracts, campaign collaborations or grassroots initiatives, local businesses can position themselves as key players in a world-class celebration of resilience,” said organisers.
Thousands of visitors, including athletes, global media and dignitaries, are expected to descend on the city during the Games, delivering a surge in footfall and visibility for participating businesses. But more than exposure, organisers say, the programme offers SMEs a seat at the table of transformational change.
Legacy beyond the games
The broader aim of the Invictus Games Birmingham 2027 is not just to host an exceptional event, but to spark a legacy of social and economic impact that lasts long after the final medal is awarded.
The Champions Programme is central to this ambition. By joining, businesses are invited to:
- Drive Social Change: Engage in initiatives that challenge stigma and foster inclusion through education and community outreach.
- Support Recovery: Play a direct role in the rehabilitation journeys of service personnel through adaptive sport and related services.
- Enhance Visibility: Leverage the Games’ extensive media presence to elevate brand awareness and build new partnerships.
- Create Lasting Impact: Join a coalition of civic leaders and change-makers to shape a more inclusive and resilient business landscape.
Unlike traditional sponsorship models, the programme is designed with flexibility and purpose in mind, offering bespoke campaign opportunities tailored to each SME’s values and capabilities.
A call to action
“We’re not just delivering a sporting event,” say organisers. “We’re delivering change. And we want local businesses to help shape that change.”
With Birmingham’s SMEs already proving to be a backbone of innovation and community leadership, the invitation to become Invictus Champions is expected to be met with strong interest. The Games offer a stage on which these enterprises can demonstrate both business acumen and social commitment, while contributing to a truly global movement.
SMEs – get on board
Prof. Paul Cadman, a prominent West Midlands businessman, urged local firms to get behind the initiative.
“The Invictus Games Birmingham 2027 is a once-in-a-generation opportunity for our region, not just to host a world-class event, but to stand behind those who’ve given so much,” he said.
“I’m calling on every SME in the West Midlands to step forward, become a Champion, and show the world what our business community stands for: resilience, inclusion, and real social impact.”
For more information on how to become a Champion and support the Invictus Games Birmingham 2027, visit: www.invictusgames2027.org/donate
