Seed to Soar: Organic Growth vs Investment for SMEs

Whether you're considering funding, exploring growth options, or simply want a better understanding of what funding is available, Seed to Soar, one of our most popular events, is happening near you.

Our expert speakers will talk you through the pros and cons of each option, offering practical advice and myth-busting.

Making growth opportunity decisions can be difficult and there is lots of conflicting advice out there.

This event, delivered by industry insiders, experts, advisors and businesses that have been in your shoes, will help you clarify what the right approach might be for your business.

Join Innovate UK Business Growth in Partnership with City of York Council for a session packed with real-world advice, lived experiences, and practical takeaways to help you move forward with confidence.

This is for you if you:

• Want to scale but aren’t sure how
• Feel overwhelmed by all the different funding routes available
• Want to know how to prepare for growth the smart way
• Have questions you've never had the chance to ask

What you'll learn:

• The differences between growing organically and securing external funding
• How to avoid common pitfalls that hold businesses back
• What due diligence actually involves, and how to be ready
• How debt and grant schemes could be a better fit
• How debt and grant schemes could be a better fitWhat investors look for, and why some businesses get it wrong
  
  

  You'll hear from:

  
  

• Louise Saw - Louise and Brian Littlejohn help York businesses to grow by connecting them to business support, finance/ funding and contacts. They are the York part of the York & North Yorkshire Growth Hub.
  

• Sam Hields – Co-Founder of York Angels will be talking you through what Angel Investors are looking for and what the funding process is like.
  
• Elizabth Young – Investment Manager at Par Equity will be discussing the process from a VC’s perspective.
  
• Chris Lunardi – Ecosystem Manager at Barclays in York. Chris will take us through the support available locally from Barclays Eagle Labs.
  
• Duane Walker – Investment Manager at Business Enterprise Fund will explain more about the debt options available to businesses.
  
• Susie Mortonson - Partner at Andrew Jackson Solicitors LLP will talk through the key information that lenders and investors would expect to see as part of their Due Diligence.

Host or Publisher Innovate UK EDGE North