Start Smart: Finance & Funding Foundations for Early-Stage Businesses

The Event:

Getting the financial foundations right early can make the difference between momentum and constant firefighting. This practical workshop, delivered by MPA and Barclays Eagle Labs at Vulcan Works, is designed for early-stage founders - whether you’re pre-revenue, recently launched, or starting to grow.

In the first half, we’ll cover the financial fundamentals every business owner needs to understand early on - from managing cashflow and making confident decisions, to avoiding the common mistakes that can become costly as you grow.

In the second half, we’ll introduce the world of grant funding. You’ll learn where to look, what funders are really looking for, and how to position your business (whether you’re innovation-led or not) to access funding opportunities now or in the future.

This is a practical, no-jargon session focused on clarity, confidence, and giving you the right foundations to build on.

You’ll leave with:

• A clear understanding of how to manage money at the early stages of your business
• The key numbers you should be tracking from day one
• Insight into how and when to pay yourself sustainably
• A realistic view of grant funding and whether it’s right for your business
• Practical steps to start preparing your business for future funding opportunities

Session Structure: (60 mins)

• Welcome & context – 5 mins
• Part 1: Finance Foundations (Early-Stage) – 20–25 mins
• Part 2: Grant Funding Essentials – 20–25 mins
• Q&A – 10 mins
• 12:00 - 12:30 Lunch (Provided by the event organisers)

Meet the Speakers:

Samantha Wildman- Samantha is a highly experienced business adviser and Group Client Director at MPA, where she also sits on the Board. She works closely with established and scaling businesses to strengthen financial control, improve visibility, and support sustainable growth. With over a decade of experience advising senior leaders across a range of sectors, Samantha brings a practical and commercially focused perspective to challenges around cashflow, funding, and managing growth without unnecessary risk.

Talitha Heaton - Talitha leads growth and partnerships at MPA & EFM, working across marketing, sales, and strategic partner channels. She works closely with business owners, banks, and investors, connecting them with specialist teams across outsourced finance, innovation funding, tax, and accountancy. With a background in marketing and a strong commercial focus, she helps founders understand what is driving growth, what may be holding it back, and how to position their business for the next stage. She regularly works on grant funding and investor readiness, supporting founders to understand their options and take a more structured approach to funding and growth decisions.

Parking:

Please note, there is no onsite parking at Vulcan Works. The nearest car parks are St.Johns multistorey or Morrisons supermarket.

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Host or Publisher Barclays Eagle Lab - Cranfield