Access to Finance Workshop

Thinking about funding but not sure where to start?

If you’re considering funding but unsure which route is right for your business, this session will help you make sense of your options.

Join us on 2 June at 9am for a practical workshop led by Phil Sly, an experienced funding specialist who supports SMEs to prepare for and secure finance.

Whether you’re planning your next move or just starting to explore funding, this session will give you clarity and confidence.

What is this session?

This is a focused, interactive session designed to simplify funding and help you understand what’s right for your business.

Phil will guide you through the three main funding routes, breaking down when each option makes sense and what you need to prepare.

The session is shaped around your needs, so you’ll have the chance to explore the areas most relevant to you.

What you will learn

• When debt finance is the right choice and what lenders are really looking for

• What grant funding is available and how eligibility works

• What to expect from investment, including what giving away equity really means

• How to become investment-ready, including financials, planning, and next steps

Who is it for?

If your business is:

• Thinking about funding in the next 6–18 months

• Unsure which route to take

• Looking to grow, invest, or move forward with confidence

…then this session is for you.

What to expect

• A practical, jargon-free session

• Clear explanations of your funding options

• Interactive discussion shaped around your goals

• Immediate, actionable next steps

No experience needed

No prior knowledge of funding is required.

Just bring your questions—and a clear idea of what you’d like to achieve.

Spaces are limited

This is a highly interactive session with limited capacity to ensure maximum value for attendees. Early booking is recommended.

Book your place now and discover how your business can improve performance and productivity in just one session.

PLEASE NOTE: businesses need to be registered with the Durham Growth Programme prior to attending. A link is below for registration, therefore ONLY businesses based in County Durham are able to attend this fully funded workshop.

Durham Business Growth and Productivity Programme is a comprehensive initiative designed to elevate productivity and foster growth within businesses located in County Durham. Being part of the programme allows you access to workshops.

For businesses in County Durham, the benefits of engaging with the Durham Business Growth programme are manifold. Through its dedicated initiatives, the fund offers access to financial resources, expert guidance, and networking opportunities that can fuel growth and expansion. Whether you're a budding entrepreneur or an established company.