East Midlands businesses wanting to explore the funding options to develop innovative ideas are being encouraged to attend a free financial roadshow.

Taking place between 26 March and 21 April, during the innovation festival (iFestival), the Access to finance Roadshow will provide organisations and budding entrepreneurs with a wealth of advice and support to help understand the options available for business start up, development and expansion.

Organised by the East Midlands Development Agency (emda) with support from Connect Midlands, Derbyshire Economic Partnership, Prospect Leicestershire, Nottinghamshire County Council and Northamptonshire Enterprise, in response to the needs of small and medium sized enterprises in the region, the Access to finance Roadshow will feature several interactive ‘surgeries’ for small groups of delegates led by experts from banks, business angels and publicly funded initiatives.

A buffet lunch, networking opportunities and the chance to talk to representatives from the region’s financial business support services will also be beneficial to participants.

“emda is committed to helping businesses of all sizes to identify and access the packages of financial support available to help them innovate, survive and grow,” explained emda’s Head of Innovation, Martin French. “Many organisations have already benefited from this support, whether it’s to develop an idea before launching it onto the market, or invest in early stage businesses with growth potential.

“emda, together with our partners,  provide a wide range of financial support services, offering advice, grants and loans. The Access to finance Roadshow is a great opportunity to help businesses across the region become aware of the help and support that’s available to them.”

The Access to finance Roadshow will take place at the following locations between 9am and 1.30pm:

Friday 26 March – Derbyshire, Dunston Innovation Centre, Chesterfield

Tuesday 13 April – Leicestershire, Phoenix Square, Leicester

Wednesday 14 April – Nottinghamshire, The Turbine, Worksop

Wednesday 21 April – Northamptonshire, NVision Technology Centre, University of Northampton

People wanting to attend are encouraged to reserve their place as soon as possible as places are limited.

Places can be reserved at http://www.eminnovation.org.uk/ifestival where further information on the events and the participating support services is also available.

Funded by East Midlands Development Agency (emda) and East Midlands Innovation (the region’s innovation council), the iFestival celebrates the importance of innovation with a programme of over 150 events across the region between 12 March and 23 April.

ENDS

Issued on behalf of the iFestival by Lava. For further information contact Louise or Steph at Lava on 01522 842 800 / louise@lavapr.co.uk / steph@lavapr.co.uk

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