Explore grants, loans and business finance options, and learn how to become lender-ready before applying for funding.

Securing funding can be one of the biggest challenges for entrepreneurs and business owners. Whether you're still developing an idea, launching a new venture, or planning growth for an established business, understanding your funding options is essential.

Join us for this practical and informative coffee morning session, delivered in partnership with Business & IP Centre Southampton, exploring the funding landscape available to businesses at different stages of growth.

Speaker

Samuel Lotechukwu ACA

Founder, Ziyon Capital Advisory

Samuel has over a decade of experience in finance, including assessing corporate lending applications and presenting cases to credit committees. He will share practical insights into how funders evaluate businesses and what applicants can do to strengthen their chances of success.

This educational session will help you understand:

Types of funding suitable at different stages of business development

The realities of grant funding and how applications are assessed

What lenders look for when financing start-ups

How banks and lenders evaluate established businesses

Common reasons funding applications are declined or delayed

How to become "lender-ready" before applying for finance

What we will cover

The Funding Map

An overview of grants, start-up loans, overdrafts, business credit, term loans, asset finance, invoice finance and equity funding. Learn the advantages, costs, and considerations of each option

Grants: What they are and what they are not!

Discover how grant programs work, what assessors look for, and where to find opportunities and support.

Starting up: Borrowing without a Track Record

Learn how lenders assess new businesses, what makes a credible business plan and cash-flow forecast, and key considerations around personal guarantees.

Established Businesses: How Lenders Read Your Account

Understand the financial indicators lenders focus on, common application pitfalls, and how to prepare in advance for borrowing or refinancing.

Q & A Session

An opportunity to ask general questions about business funding and finance. Please note that no individual financial advice will be provided.

What you Receive

All attendees will receive a practical Funding Readiness Checklist designed to help both start-ups and established businesses prepare for future funding applications.

Description supplied by the event organiser.