From Idea to Lender-Ready: Funding Your Business at Every Stage

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.