Businesses across Northamptonshire will have the opportunity to hear directly from lenders, investors and entrepreneurs at a funding-focused event taking place next month.
Fuel Your Growth: Find the Right Funding Path will be held at Vulcan Works in Northampton on 1 July as part of the University of Northampton’s Fuelling Innovation programme.
The event, organised by South Midlands Growth Hub in partnership with Barclays Eagle Labs and the British Business Bank, will examine the different funding routes available to growing businesses, from grants and loans to equity investment.
Samantha Hunter, Partnerships and Events Manager at South Midlands Growth Hub, said: “Many businesses know they need funding to achieve their next stage of growth but are often unsure where to start. By bringing together experts, investors and businesses that have successfully secured finance, we hope to give attendees practical insight into the opportunities available and the confidence to pursue them.”
Access to finance remains a key issue for many smaller businesses, particularly those looking to scale, invest in innovation or bring new products and services to market. While grants, loans and equity investment can all provide valuable sources of funding, understanding which route is most suitable can be challenging.
The workshop aims to address those questions through a series of panel discussions featuring funding specialists alongside businesses that have successfully secured finance through different channels.
Sessions will focus on three areas: grants, lending and equity investment. Attendees will hear how businesses have used each type of funding to support growth and will have the opportunity to question experts about the practical considerations involved.
The grants panel will explore how public funding can support innovation and development projects, while discussions on lending will examine the role of business loans in supporting expansion. A third session will focus on equity investment and the circumstances in which businesses may seek external investors to accelerate growth.
Networking sessions throughout the morning will provide opportunities for delegates to connect with advisers, funders and fellow business owners from across the region.
The event forms part of the wider Fuelling Innovation programme, delivered in collaboration with the University of Northampton, which brings together businesses, entrepreneurs and support organisations through a series of events designed to encourage innovation and economic growth across the county.
Fuel Your Growth: Find the Right Funding Path takes place at Vulcan Works from 9.30am to 1pm on Wednesday 1 July. Attendance is free and includes lunch, with places available through the South Midlands Growth Hub.
