SME finance provider to host event on scaling businesses
Funding partnership Midlands SME Finance collaboration is to host its first Coventry-based networking event, bringing together two speakers with expertise on scaling businesses.
Midlands SME Finance, launched by six leading regional finance providers to promote the local funding options accessible for small and medium-sized enterprises, will hold the free event at Elle's, Coventry’s first food hall and social hub located at Two Friargate, from 11am to 1.30pm on 19 March.
Midlands SME Finance is a group effort bringing together community development financial institutions ART Business Loans, BCRS Business Loans and Coventry & Warwickshire Reinvestment Trust alongside invoice finance lender FlexABL and community-based lenders UKSE and Frontier Development Capital.
The partners have invited Dal Dhillon, CEO of award-winning Dhillon's Brewery, to headline the event, sharing his entrepreneurial journey and success story with delegates.
Dal's latest venture, Elle's, was established following significant investment from Frontier Development Capital on behalf of the Midlands Engine Investment Fund II, launched by British Business Bank to support regional growth, alongside investment from Coventry & Warwickshire Reinvestment Trust (CWRT) through the British Business Bank’s Community ENABLED Fund Programme.
Delegates will hear how entrepreneur Dal Dhillon has expanded from his micro-brewery business to a number of successful venues including Spire Bar, Sky Blue Tavern, sites within the Coventry Building Society Arena and now Elle's.
Joining Dal will be Craig McVoy, founder of Turnkey, a business consultancy specialising in helping high potential start-ups scale into successful growth-stage companies.
Craig will share insights on preparing businesses for scaling and navigating the funding needed at different growth stages.
Combined with Craig's expertise in scaling start-ups, attendees will gain practical insights into growing and financing their businesses at every stage of development.
The event is the third to be staged across the West Midlands by the Midlands SME Finance, who specialise in lending to businesses unable to secure traditional high street finance. Each partner will provide a short introduction on their services and lending approach.
SMEs planning to grow, invest in new opportunities, or explore their funding options are encouraged to attend. The event includes networking opportunities with fellow SMEs and a complimentary light lunch.
Andy Green, Deputy Fund Principal of Frontier Development Capital, said: "Our first event in Coventry will be a great opportunity for SMEs to hear firsthand what can be achieved with dedicated lender support. Having both Dal and Craig share their expertise on growing and scaling businesses will provide invaluable insights."
The Coventry event follows the inaugural expo at Edgbaston Stadium last May and the “Funding Without the Jargon” session at the Black Country Living Museum in October.
Register now to secure your place at this free event.