First Enterprise brings Business Finance Week to Nottingham with key event for small businesses
As part of Business Finance Week 2025, First Enterprise, in partnership with the British Business Bank, will host “Unlocking Finance and Growth for Small Businesses” on Wednesday, October 8, at the Dryden Enterprise Centre in Nottingham.
The event will give entrepreneurs practical insights into funding options, financial resilience, and local business support, helping them overcome barriers to finance and thrive in today’s challenging economic climate.
Small businesses are the backbone of Nottingham’s economy, creating jobs and driving innovation, yet many face difficulties accessing finance from traditional lenders. This event aims to bridge that gap by connecting entrepreneurs with inclusive funding solutions and expert advice, ensuring that growth opportunities are accessible to all, including underrepresented and underserved communities.
First Enterprise has been supporting businesses for over three decades, starting in 1989 to help local communities access economic opportunities. Since then, it has grown into a trusted, FCA-accredited, not-for-profit lender, investing more than £82m in small businesses and helping create or safeguard thousands of jobs across the East Midlands and beyond. Today, its mission remains the same: to provide fair and accessible finance for businesses that struggle to secure funding from mainstream lenders.
The event will feature expert talks from First Enterprise and the British Business Bank on funding opportunities and financial resilience, a panel discussion with local business owners sharing real-life experiences, and an interactive workshop on financial resilience. Attendees will also have the chance to network with key business support organisations, including Nottingham City Council, BIPC Nottinghamshire, and NTU Enterprise.
“We do this because we know how critical access to finance is for small businesses. Last year’s event showed us the appetite for practical advice and real conversations about funding and business support. This year, we’re building on that success to make sure even more businesses have the knowledge and support they need to grow,” said Danielle Davis, Deputy Director at First Enterprise.
Event Details:
- Date: Wednesday, October 8
- Time: 10am – 1pm
- Venue: Dryden Enterprise Centre, Dryden St, Nottingham, NG1 4FQ
- Book free tickets HERE