Midlands SME Finance, launched by six leading regional finance providers to promote the local funding options accessible for small and medium-sized enterprises, will hold the free event at Elle's, Coventry’s first food hall and social hub located at Two Friargate, from 11am to 1.30pm on March 19.
Midlands SME Finance is a group effort bringing together community development financial institutions ART Business Loans, BCRS Business Loans and Coventry & Warwickshire Reinvestment Trust alongside invoice finance lender FlexABL and community-based lenders UKSE and Frontier Development Capital.
The partners have invited Dal Dhillon, CEO of award-winning Dhillon's Brewery, to headline the event, sharing his entrepreneurial journey and success story with delegates.
Dal's latest venture, Elle's, was established following significant investment from Frontier Development Capital on behalf of the Midlands Engine Investment Fund II, launched by British Business Bank to support regional growth, alongside investment from Coventry & Warwickshire Reinvestment Trust (CWRT) through the British Business Bank’s Community ENABLED Fund Programme.
Delegates will hear how entrepreneur Dal Dhillon has expanded from his micro-brewery business to a number of successful venues including Spire Bar, Sky Blue Tavern, sites within the Coventry Building Society Arena and now Elle's.
Joining Dal will be Craig McVoy, founder of Turnkey, a business consultancy specialising in helping high potential start-ups scale into successful growth-stage companies. Craig will share insights on preparing businesses for scaling and navigating the funding needed at different growth stages.
Combined with Craig's expertise in scaling start-ups, attendees will gain practical insights into growing and financing their businesses at every stage of development.
The event is the third to be staged across the West Midlands by the Midlands SME Finance, who specialise in lending to businesses unable to secure traditional high street finance. Each partner will provide a short introduction on their services and lending approach.
SMEs planning to grow, invest in new opportunities, or explore their funding options are encouraged to attend. The event includes networking opportunities with fellow SMEs and a complimentary light lunch.
Andy Green, Deputy Fund Principal of Frontier Development Capital, said: "Our first event in Coventry will be a great opportunity for SMEs to hear firsthand what can be achieved with dedicated lender support. Having both Dal and Craig share their expertise on growing and scaling businesses will provide invaluable insights."
Sheridan Sulskis, CEO of Coventry & Warwickshire Reinvestment Trust, added: “Dal's success with Elle's exemplifies the impact the right funding can have. We encourage businesses to come along and speak to us about lending opportunities to grow their business."
The Coventry event follows the inaugural expo at Edgbaston Stadium last May and the “Funding Without the Jargon” session at the Black Country Living Museum in October.
Paul Stokes, of FlexABL, said: “Our latest Midlands SME Finance event demonstrates our commitment to helping Midlands SMEs access the finance they need to grow. Dal's story is an inspiring example of what can be achieved with the right support."
Steve Walker, Chief Executive of ART Business Loans, commented: “We're excited to showcase the diverse funding options available to West Midlands businesses. With speakers like Dal and Craig demonstrating real growth and scaling expertise, this event will help entrepreneurs understand the funding they need at every stage.”
Stephen Deakin, Chief Executive of BCRS Business Loans, said: “Supporting SMEs through relationship-based lending is at the heart of what we do. This collaboration shows that there are lenders providing accessible finance options to viable businesses in the region.”
Steve Grice, Area Manager Midlands for UKSE, added: “Our role is to support underserved businesses. This event brings together lending and equity investors ready to back ambitious SMEs who traditional banks might have overlooked."
Spaces are limited—register now to secure your place at this free event: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/midlands-sme-finance-networking-event-coventry-tickets-1981749680642
