Finding Entrepreneurs & Passionates in Notts

I'm building a cultural brand around how we socialise and consume - drink, weed, even nicotine. Reclaiming the rituals, the occasion, the conversation, the memories - without intoxication being THE point. No one bats an eye lid at the wine rack but you'll always get asked why you're not having a drink. That's what we want to change. Not do or don't but choice and freedom.

Not at all some egotistical this has all gotta be mine etc. This is something I passionately want to see grow and evolve. Openly seeking a selection of cofounders (creative, technical, commercial) and even backers/financers.

However, finding locals and whether that be skilled/educated person or even the finacial capable - local to Notts or the East Midlands seems to be an unexpectedly difficult task.

To business owners, entrepreneurs/startup founders, and all the like from around these ways - advice, guidance, the lot - throw it my way. Am I missing some obvious routes, being mistaken in primarily seeking more local, or...?