The Business Funding Summit 2026 is the flagship event of the Advance Worcestershire Programme.

Connecting ambitious SMEs with investors, funders, and growth partners. Designed to drive opportunities, strategic partnerships, and access to finance — supporting local businesses with their next stage of growth. This event will move beyond simply introducing finance providers and instead helps SMEs understand how investors and funders think, what makes businesses investable, and how to position themselves for growth capital.

Who should attend:

Entrepreneurs and SME businesses from across the Worcestershire region seeking finance for growth, innovation, exports, productivity improvements, acquisitions or scale-up.

Hosted by Oxford Innovation Advice in partnership with Worcestershire Growth Hub.

Agenda:

09:00 Registration and refreshments

09:30 Opening welcome

09:45 Panel discussion: Unlocking Investment for Growth - Finding the Right Finance for the Right Stage of Growth

10:10 Pitch Perfect – Round 1

10:35 Panel discussion: Behind the Investment Decision - What Investors and Funders Really Want to See

11:00 Break – Networking / Funder Exhibition

11:20 Pitch Perfect – Round 2

11:45 Fireside chat: The Founder Journey - From Funding Application to Growth Success

12:05 Worcestershire Business Support

12:25 Pitch Perfect – What makes a winning pitch?

12:35 Closing remarks

12:45 Networking lunch and funder exhibition

14:00 Event Close

During booking please note any accessibility and/or dietary requirements.

Description supplied by the event organiser.