Leeds projects get funding for business skills and ideas

💡 Workshop Wednesday: How to Secure Funding for Your Business Projects 💼 So you’ve got the idea. The vision is clear. But the next question hits hard: 💭 “Where do I get the money to make it happen?” Here’s your step-by-step blueprint to help young entrepreneurs like YOU fund your business dreams: 🔹 1. Start With the Foundation — Your Plan Before asking anyone for funding, you need clarity: ✅ Who’s your target market? ✅ What problem do you solve? ✅ How will you make money? A solid business plan shows investors and lenders that you’ve done your homework — and that their money will be in good hands. 🔹 2. Explore All the Funding Paths There’s more than one way to raise capital — and you don’t need to pick just one: 💸 Bootstrapping: Start small and reinvest profits. It builds discipline and ownership. 💳 Microloans: Community lenders (like Kiva or local CDFIs) offer small, low-interest loans to young founders. 🤝 Grants: Free money from government programs, nonprofits, and foundations — no repayment required. (Check Grants.gov, Hello Alice, or local small business centers.) 📈 Investors: Angel investors or venture capitalists look for strong growth potential. But remember, they’ll want equity. 🌐 Crowdfunding: Platforms like Kickstarter, GoFundMe, and IFundWomen let your audience back your vision. 💰Business Lines of Credit & 0% Credit Cards (See https://lnkd.in/er67EwMw) 🔹 3. Get “Funding-Ready” Before applying, make sure you have: 📊 A registered business entity (LLC, S-Corp, etc.) 🧾 A professional email and website 📈 A simple financial forecast (expected revenue, expenses, profit margins) 💡 A concise elevator pitch — what makes your project stand out These details help decision-makers see you as investment-worthy. 🔹 4. Build Relationships Before You Need Money Funding follows trust. Start networking early — with local banks, business mentors, angel groups, or startup incubators. When the time comes to pitch, they’ll already know who you are. 🔹 5. Be Persistent — Every “No” Teaches You Something You’ll hear “no” more than “yes.” That’s normal. Each rejection refines your pitch, your strategy, and your mindset. Remember: Funding isn’t just about capital — it’s about confidence. 🚀 Workshop Wisdom: “Money flows to momentum.” The more progress you show — traction, testimonials, or even small sales — the easier it becomes to attract serious funding. So, this week, make it your goal to research one new funding opportunity and update your business plan. Your next “yes” might be waiting on the other side of one brave application. #WorkshopWednesday #YoungEntrepreneur #BusinessFunding #StartupSuccess #NexGenCreativeExplorer #EntrepreneurMindse

105 business owners ready - Tonight we launch Business Collect 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 We’re launching Business Collect - the flagship network of the Scottish Asian Business Chamber - designed for six-figure-plus entrepreneurs and strategic partners shaping the future of Scotland’s economy. For years, we’ve grown our base to 800+ business owners. Now, the question we’re asking is different: 👉 How do we move from quantity to quality? Business Collect focuses on three things: 1️⃣ Connection with depth - entrepreneurs who actually know each other’s stories and ambitions, not just LinkedIn titles. 2️⃣ Thought leadership and influence - creating bridges between business, government, and civic leaders to shape smarter policy. 3️⃣ The future of Scotland’s growth - from investment strategy with Rathbones to innovation insights from Scottish tech founders supported by NatWest Group. It’s a privilege to host this launch at the Student Loans Company, alongside speakers like Dr Zubir Ahmed MP, Scotland’s only diverse Westminster MP, and our partners who see beyond today’s headlines to tomorrow’s opportunities. We’ve been quietly building for a while - tonight the Scottish Asian Business Chamber levels up. A community that doesn’t just meet - but moves things forward. If you’re a business owner who believes in collaboration over competition, watch this space. Business Collect is just the beginning. Grateful to everyone attending tonight - from our 100 business owners to partners who believe in building bridges for growth. #BusinessCollect #Entrepreneurship #ScotlandBusiness #Leadership #Community

🚀 Funding Blackpool has officially launched! A brand-new initiative from FinanceNW (part of the BEF Group) — designed to bring fair, flexible finance to businesses across Blackpool and the Fylde Coast. From Start-Up Loans to Growth and Rebalance Loans, this programme offers funding from £500 to £250,000 — all decided locally, by people who understand local business. This is finance built around real people, not tick-boxes — helping entrepreneurs access capital, create jobs, and strengthen our community. 💡 If you’re a business owner in the area, or know someone looking to grow, visit https://lnkd.in/eAWN7Snv #FundingBlackpool #BusinessFinance #LocalGrowth #SMEs #FinanceNW #BEFGroup #notjustanotherbroker

Strong businesses start with strong foundations 🎉 Entrepreneurs need more than passion, they need the knowledge and skills to navigate compliance, manage finances, and plan for sustainable growth.  That’s why, as part of our Business Development Support, we partnered with the National Social Security Fund (NSSF)  to provide an in-depth financial literacy session for our entrepreneurs. The session focused on: 🔹 How compliance builds credibility and unlocks investment opportunities 🔹 Ways entrepreneurs can leverage savings and investments as emerging employers 🔹 Why financial literacy is critical to transforming small ventures into scalable, resilient businesses This support turns survival-focused ventures into thriving enterprises creating jobs, strengthening communities, and driving lasting impact. Support the next generation of social entrepreneurs and help create lasting impact in rural communities https://lnkd.in/dp8nFUcA #ImagineHer #SEIP #fromlastmiletomraketplace  #FinancialLiteracy #HerImpact

Melanie Goward, Partner at Maven, talks to BristolWorld about the SMEs still facing barriers when it comes to accessing the finance they need to grow and the positive impact of initiatives like the South West Investment Fund on business confidence. Through SWIF - Maven Equity Finance, Maven can provide equity funding of up to £5 million for new and growing businesses across Bristol, Bath, North and North East Somerset, Gloucestershire, Wiltshire, Swindon, Cornwall, Devon, and Dorset. Read the full article below 👇 https://hubs.ly/Q03MVNzN0 #SouthWest #SWIF #Equity | British Business Bank South West

After more than three years of planning and $2 million in funding, Accelerate Augusta has officially opened to support local entrepreneurs with resources, training, and community connections. Read more: https://lnkd.in/eEyCdF5j

The Dutch Entrepreneurial Development Bank FMO and Credo Bank Sign GEL 80 Million Facility Agreement to Support Entrepreneurs in Georgia https://lnkd.in/dEtS8NAj

🤝 FMO - Dutch entrepreneurial development bank and Credo Bank Sign GEL 80 Million Facility Agreement to Support Entrepreneurs in Georgia. Details: https://lnkd.in/dNgXHtDu

Access to money is one thing. Knowing how to use it effectively is another. Many businesses collapse not for lack of funding, but because of weak structures and missing systems. In East Africa, over 70% of startups fail before year 5, often due to poor financial planning or lack of strategic guidance. That means money alone cannot solve the challenge. What businesses need is structured financing capital tied with accountability, mentorship, and systems that protect growth. Like scaffolding that supports a building as it rises, structures keep businesses stable as they expand. King’s Investments Holdings envisions financing that comes with frameworks, not just cheques. Imagine how many businesses would survive if money came with mentorship. Would Africa’s failure rate drop? #businessgrowth #ScalingBusiness #BusinessFinancing

In this #FiveForFriday: Simple Ventures launches a $15M #fund to bring innovation and talent back to Canada, deal activity is up in 2025 but the easy wins may be behind us, and we break down what to know about subscription agreements. Plus, why Canadian lenders could be especially vulnerable to bank runs as U.S. tensions mount, and the big question: what will it take to make Canada the best place to start and scale a company? https://lnkd.in/e_UW2KdZ