Funding Strategy & Investor Pitching Workshop Series (Jan - Mar)

When you're exploring investment, planning to grow, or considering funding to support your business, have you ever found yourself thinking:

• the process feels too complicated or overwhelming

• pitching feels nerve-wracking or unfamiliar

• you’re not sure what funders expect

• you’re unsure whether equity or debt is right for you

• you don’t have enough knowledge

• funding is only for ‘’high-growth’’ companies

If any of the above feels familiar, this workshop series is designed to support you. We help remove these concerns by breaking everything down into clear, manageable steps.

Delivered by our Access to Finance advisors, alongside funders and industry partners, the series helps you understand your options, strengthen your confidence, and build the practical skills needed to move forward. Across the sessions, you’ll explore funding strategy, assess the right type of finance for your business, understand key financials, and develop your pitch delivery.

Whether you're early-stage or preparing for future opportunities, the workshops support you at your own pace — with clear guidance and no pressure or judgement.

Workshop Line-up:

Understanding Equity Finance & Investor Expectations (28 Jan 2026)

If equity funding feels unfamiliar or complex, this session provides a clear, grounded understanding of how it works and what investors expect. We’ll walk through the process in practical terms, covering readiness, expectations, and key considerations for founders.

You’ll learn:

• how equity finance works and whether it aligns with your goals

• what investors expect at different stages

• how valuation, dilution and ownership are approached

• how to prepare effectively before investor conversations

You’ll leave with a stronger grasp of equity finance and greater clarity on your strategic options.

Developing a Clear & Investor-Ready Pitch Deck (11 Feb 2026)

This session helps you develop a pitch deck that clearly and powerfully communicates your business proposition. You’ll learn what funders prioritise, how they assess presentations, and how to structure information to reflect your strengths.

You’ll learn:

• the essential components of an effective pitch deck

• how to present your value proposition clearly

• how investors review and evaluate pitch materials

• how to structure your slides for coherence and impact

You’ll leave understanding how to align your pitch deck with investor expectations.

Business Loans & Commercial Debt Finance: How They Work (25 Feb 2026)

Many SMEs hesitate when it comes to debt due to uncertainty or perceived risk. This workshop provides clarity on loan products, lender expectations, and how the application process works — enabling you to make informed decisions with confidence.

You’ll learn:

• the range of debt finance products available to SMEs

• how lenders assess applications and evaluate risk

• what financial and business information you need to prepare

• how to match the right debt option to your objectives

You’ll leave with a clear understanding of commercial lending and how to approach debt finance strategically.

Financial Forecasting: How to Present Your Numbers Clearly (10 Mar 2026)

Financial forecasting is a key part of any funding application. This session simplifies the process and helps you present your numbers with clarity and credibility.

You’ll learn:

• how to communicate financials clearly to funders

• what investors and lenders expect in your forecasts

• common forecasting errors and how to avoid them
• how to create realistic, evidence-based financial plans

You’ll leave equipped with the knowledge to present your financials confidently and credibly.

Pitch Delivery Practice with Investor Feedback (05 & 26 Mar 2026)

This session offers a practical opportunity for founders to practise their pitch and receive constructive, real-time feedback from investors. A number of attendees will be invited to deliver their pitch during the session, giving them the chance to refine their structure, messaging, and delivery in a supportive environment.

All attendees — whether pitching or observing — will gain valuable insight into how investors evaluate a pitch, what they listen for, and the common areas founders are encouraged to strengthen. Observing live pitches helps you understand real investor reactions, recognise effective communication styles, and reflect on how to improve your own approach.

The session also includes a networking section, allowing attendees to share reflections, exchange experiences, and connect with other founders who are preparing for future pitching opportunities.

You will benefit by:

• practising your pitch with professional investor feedback (for selected participants)

• observing how investors respond to different pitch styles and content

• learning what strengthens or weakens a pitch in real conversations

• identifying improvements for your own pitch delivery

• connecting with peers to share learning, confidence, and experiences

Whether you pitch on the day or simply observe, this session offers a valuable and accessible way to build your pitch readiness and deepen your understanding of investor expectations.

Your place on the workshop is not automatically confirmed; you will receive an email from [email protected] once it is.

As this workshop is fully-funded, businesses are subject to funders' eligibility criteria. If your place is confirmed, you will receive an email from us with further details.

• Greater Manchester Clients Only
• Micro business, small and medium-sized enterprise, or large business
• Social enterprises where these engage in economic activity.

Once your place is confirmed, you will receive an email from us with the venue details.

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