Fuel your growth: Find the right funding path
2026-07-01 09:30 - 13:00 UTC | Vulcan Works, 34-38 Guildhall Road, Northampton, Northampton, NN1 1EW, United Kingdom
Fuelling Innovation: Exploring Funding Options for Growth
Delivered by South Midlands Growth Hub, Barclays Eagle Labs, and the British Business Bank
Are you an innovative business in Northamptonshire looking to fund your next stage of growth?
Understanding the right funding option for your business can feel overwhelming. From grants and loans to angel investment and equity finance, each route offers different opportunities—and different implications for your business journey.
This interactive workshop as part of this years Fuelling Innovation campaign in collaboration with University of Northampton is designed to help you navigate those choices with confidence.
Join us for a series of engaging panel discussions featuring real businesses that have successfully secured funding through different routes. You’ll gain practical insights, hear first-hand experiences, and discover which options might be right for you.
Lunch is included, with dedicated time for networking throughout the event.

Why Attend?

Gain clarity on the different funding options available for business growth
Hear real-life experiences from businesses that have successfully secured funding
Connect with funding experts and support organisations
Expand your professional network with like-minded business leaders
Leave with practical insights you can apply to your own growth plans

What You Will Learn

The key differences between grants, loans, and equity investment
The advantages and considerations of each funding route
How to determine which funding option aligns with your business goals
What funders and investors look for in innovative businesses
How to prepare your business for funding opportunities

Who Should Attend?

Innovative startups and scale-ups based in Northamptonshire
Business owners planning their next stage of growth
Entrepreneurs exploring funding options for the first time
Companies considering grants, loans, or investment to expand
Anyone seeking expert guidance on business finance and funding strategies

Event Agenda
9:30am – Arrival and registration
10:00am – Welcome and introduction
10:10am – Panel 1: Grants
10:35am – Networking break
10:45am – Panel 2: Loans
11:10am – Networking break
11:20am – Panel 3: Equity Investment
11:45am – Event wrap-up
12:00pm – Networking lunch
