UK venture Enterprise Nation has launched a programme aimed at supporting small businesses to better navigate the world of finance and funding.
Access to Finance will run over twelve months and the programme centres on monthly free one-hour Zoom tutorials on topics such as securing angel investment, applying for a start-up loan, and explaining invoice finance.
Enterprise Nation bills itself as the UK’s leading small business network and business support provider. It has 70,000 members and subscribers, 10% of whom are professional advisers.
Enterprise Nation says its adviser platform facilitates hundreds of connections every week with small firms reaching out for expert support.
Founder Emma Jones said the online tutorials are designed to not only demystify the process but to help educate, support and guide businesses on the right type of funding for them.
In Association with
“We’re delighted to the have support of so many of the key players in finance in Ireland,” she added.
Oisín Geoghegan, Head of Enterprise, Fingal Local Enterprise Office, said: “Despite recent challenges, businesses remain optimistic about growth at home and overseas and know that funding plays a key part. We hope this programme will deliver the right connections and content to enable more businesses to raise and manage money.”
June Butler, CEO of SBCI, said: “The SBCI has already supported almost 50,000 Irish SMEs with low-cost flexible funding. We want to help even more and this programme is a great way to do it.
“It will be a big help for SMEs in understanding the wide range of funding options open to them and the best way to get access to the funding they need to grow and prosper in a sustainable way.
“We’re delighted to team up with Enterprise Nation on this and we expect participating SMEs will see real benefits from it.”
The first Zoom tutorial takes place on June 30.
Emma Jones, 48, was born in Newport, Shropshire and brought up by a mum who ran several independent restaurants in the town.
She was awarded the Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) in 2021, the highest-ranking Order of the British Empire award excluding a knighthood and damehood.
Jones is the author of business books including Spare Room StartUp, Working 5 to 9, Go Global, Start a Business for £99, the StartUp Kit, and Going for Growth.
Photo (l-r) Nicola Woods of Enterprise Nation, Suzanne Sweeney of SBCI, Marian McCarville of BPFI, and Oisin Geoghegan.
