Published: August 5th, 2026
A Summer Funding Summit which attracted more than 90 businesses has been hailed a major success.
The event – staged in Shrewsbury – brought together lenders, investors and advisers for a day of support and networking and was co-organised by Shropshire Growth Hub (Invest in Shropshire) and Invest Telford in partnership with the British Business Bank and Shropshire Chamber of Commerce.
Entrepreneur Mo Chaudry took part in a special ‘fireside chat’ to share insights from his hugely successful business journey and there was a raft of expert-led sessions covering funding routes, investment readiness and how to strengthen applications.
A series of short presentations from funders and lenders helped demystify the range of finance options currently available, while dedicated networking sessions enabled businesses to connect directly with support organisations and finance providers.
But don’t worry if you were not able to attend – we’ve rounded up the key takeaways for you here:
1. There is a wider range of funding options available than many realise
The British Business Bank outlined more than £23 billion in core finance and new programmes such as the Midlands Engine Investment Fund II, offering loans from £25,000 to £2million and equity up to £5 million. Startup Loans also remain a strong option for early‑stage businesses.
2. Preparation is everything
Funders stressed the importance of up‑to‑date financials, credible forecasts and clear growth plans. Debt applications typically take 4–8 weeks, while equity due diligence averages three months — both significantly faster when businesses are well prepared.
3. Relationship based lending is alive and well
Frontier Development Capital and BCRS emphasised their commitment to supporting businesses that may not fit mainstream bank criteria, with a strong focus on understanding the people behind the business.
4. Equity investment is increasingly accessible
Mercia Ventures and Minerva Business Angels highlighted growing investor appetite, particularly for businesses with commercial traction, strong leadership and clear market potential. Tax incentives such as SEIS and EIS continue to play a major role.
5. Mindset matters as much as money
Keynote speaker Mo Chaudry urged entrepreneurs to build resilience, act with courage and cultivate genuine relationships. His message was clear: Funding follows strong leadership, not the other way around.
6. Early engagement with funders pays off
Panellists encouraged businesses to start conversations early, even before they need capital. Building trust and credibility over time significantly increases the chances of successful funding.
The summit followed a campaign to raise the profile of funding opportunities and built on its success. With debt, equity, startup support and scale‑up programmes all represented, attendees gained a comprehensive view of the opportunities available and the confidence to pursue them.
