Council connects businesses with funders at Access to Finance event

Helping to address one of the biggest challenges facing small businesses, the funding event kick-started a series of expert workshops, networking opportunities and one-to-one funding advice sessions.

Hosted by business journalist and former Telegraph Small Business Editor Rebecca Burn-Callander, the event brought together founders, funders and business experts and provided a networking opportunities alongside a workshop and presentations.

Attendees heard a keynote presentation from Emma Jones CBE, the UK Small Business Commissioner, who shared practical advice on improving cashflow, tackling late payments and accessing support available to small businesses. Local entrepreneurs Josh Puddle, founder of MOMO Kombucha, and Louise Duncum of Weiz Styles also shared their experiences of raising finance and growing successful businesses.

Cllr Lynsey Hedges, Cabinet Member for Opportunity, said: “As a council we are committed to supporting the growth of local enterprises in Wandsworth. We know many start-ups and small businesses struggle to access the right finance at the right time, so by bringing experts and business owners together we can help bridge the information gap and ensure Wandsworth really is a good place to do business.”

The event, held at OSMO in Nine Elms, was welcomed by attendees who praised the format and information provided.

“I thought the Access to Finance event was fantastic. I’ve always thought that the only funding options available to my business was from banks. The event really opened my eyes to the various options available and it was really useful to hear from the founders who have raised finance for their business and to hear from the UK Small Business Commissioner,” said Antonio Rodrigues.

“The event exceeded my expectations. It was really well organised and the speakers were really informative. It was good to find out what investors are looking for. I now feel better prepared to apply for funding,” said Clarissa Carvalho.

The sold-out event marks the beginning of the wider Access to Finance Wandsworth programme, which continues this week with a series of online workshops and free one-to-one Meet the Funder and Adviser sessions. Participating organisations include Barclays, HSBC, Virgin StartUp, Funding London, Capitalise, The Arts Council England, Fundsurfer and The National Lottery Community Fund.

Find out more

Businesses can find out more via the Wandsworth Enterprise Hub 

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