Solent Business Growth Service
Business Growth Service logo in black and orange

Funding Your Future

Whether you’re starting or growing an existing business, launching a community project, or exploring new funding opportunities, Funding Your Future is designed to help you understand the finance options available and connect you with the experts who can help.

Delivered in partnership with leading financial institutions, funding specialists and business support organisations, these events provide practical guidance, expert insights and valuable networking opportunities for businesses, charities, community interest companies (CICs), start-ups and entrepreneurs.

The next Funding Your Future event

Join us at our next Funding Your Future event, which will be held on 26 January 2027 on the Isle of Wight at Northwood House & Park, Ward Avenue, Cowes, PO31 8AZ

Our funding events are very popular, so book early to avoid disappointment.

Click below to book your place, and scroll down to see details of each of the experts leading the various workshops.

Funding Your Future - Session with Elaine Harding

Meet the speakers

Kirsty Parker

Kirsty Parker, KP CONSULTING PARTNERS

Angel Investing
Learn what angel investors look for when evaluating opportunities and discover how to position your business to attract investment. Gain practical insights into the investment process and investor expectations.

Paul Sims

Paul Sims, Negotia

Pitch Deck Preparation
Understand how to create a compelling pitch deck that captures investor interest and clearly communicates your business opportunity. Learn the key elements of a successful investment presentation.

Ian Jarvis and Andrew Holden

Ian Jarvis and Andrew Holden, Barclays

Bank Finance
Explore the funding options available through banks and learn what lenders look for when assessing applications. Gain tips on improving your chances of securing finance for growth.

Find Ian on LinkedIn

Find Andrew on LinkedIn

John Murray

John Murray, Swig Finance

Start-up Loans
Find out how Start Up Loans can help launch or grow your business and understand the application process. Learn about eligibility, funding amounts, and the support available alongside finance.

Chris Lord

Chris Lord, IKX Consulting

Grants
Discover the range of grant funding available to businesses and how to identify suitable opportunities. Learn how to strengthen applications and maximise your chances of success.

Amy Harper

Amy Harper, Azzets

Preparing for Investment – Accounting
Learn how to get your finances investment-ready, including the key financial information investors expect to see. Understand how robust financial planning can support funding discussions.

Elaine Harding Augment Aero

Elaine Harding, Augment Aero

Female Founders
Hear from an experienced specialist supporting female-led businesses and explore the opportunities and challenges faced by women seeking funding. Gain practical advice and inspiration to support your growth journey.

Ryan Lisk

Ryan Lisk, Hybrid Legal

Preparing for Investment – Legal
Understand the legal considerations involved in seeking investment and learn how to prepare your business for due diligence. Gain insights into common legal pitfalls and how to avoid them.

Why Attend?

Funding can often feel complex, but the right knowledge and connections can make all the difference.

By attending a Funding Your Future event, you’ll be able to:

  • Explore a range of funding options, from grants and loans to investment opportunities.
  • Understand what funders and investors are looking for.
  • Hear from experienced finance and business growth experts.
  • Learn practical strategies to prepare your organisation for funding applications and investment.
  • Connect with like-minded business owners, founders and support organisations.
  • Gain actionable insights that can help you take the next step towards growth.

What You’ll Learn?

Funding Your Future events bring together industry experts, financial institutions and business support organisations to share practical advice on a range of funding topics, including:

  • Angel investment
  • Business grants
  • Banking and finance solutions
  • Start-up loans
  • Pitch deck preparation
  • Legal considerations when seeking investment
  • Support for female founders
  • Investment readiness and business growth strategies

Topics and speakers may vary between events, ensuring attendees receive relevant and up-to-date insights.

Solent Growth Partnership - Funding Your Future - Session

What to expect?

Each event typically begins with registration and refreshments, followed by a keynote presentation from an industry expert. Throughout the day, attendees can take part in a series of specialist workshops covering a variety of funding and investment topics, alongside opportunities to network with fellow business owners, founders and support organisations.

A light lunch is provided, offering additional time to make valuable connections and continue conversations with speakers and attendees.