Investment Readiness Programme (Access to Finance)

Merry Christmas from the Investment Readiness Programme team!🎄 As the year comes to a close, we want to take a moment to celebrate your achievements and thank you for being a part of the Investment Readiness Programme. 🎉 2024 has been a year of growth, innovation, and success for so many of you, and we are incredibly proud to have been a part of your journey. Here’s to an even brighter 2025 filled with new opportunities and milestones! 🌟 This holiday season, may your days be merry, your goals be ambitious, and your future be prosperous. Wishing you and your business a joyful Christmas and a Happy New Year! With warm wishes, The Investment Readiness Team 🎅✨ #BusinessFinance #FinancialChallenges #WestMidlandsSMEs #FinanceTips #BGWM #BusinessGrowth Oxford Innovation Advice Business Growth West Midlands Robert Rabone Helen Fortune Sharn Haywood-Higgs Vernon Hogg Davies Okeowo Connor McManus Heather Coupland Jack Francis Kelly Mike Dean

Investment Readiness Programme (Access to Finance) team have accomplished so much this year that it’s hard to fit it all into one video, although it’s worth checking out some of the highlights and milestones we hit in 2024 below.

It’s that time of year again! 🎉 Inspired by Spotify Wrapped, we’ve joined the bandwagon and created our very own Investment Readiness Programme Wrapped (Access to Finance Edition), played out to 2024’s hottest finance soundtrack. We’ve accomplished so much this year that it’s hard to fit it all into one video, but check out some of the highlights and milestones we hit in 2024 below. Here's to an even bigger and better 2025! And if you’re looking to connect with the right people in finance (sorry, not a dating site - trust funds not guaranteed), drop us a message via the link below 👇 https://lnkd.in/eueK3q9Y #spotify #spotifywrapped #2024 Oxford Innovation Advice Business Growth West Midlands Robert Rabone Helen Fortune Sharn Haywood-Higgs Vernon Hogg Davies Okeowo Connor McManus Heather Coupland Jack Francis Kelly Mike Dean

Calling all Wolverhampton businesses! Join our FREE 2-Day Access to Finance Workshop delivered in partnership with Access To Business to discover the full range of funding options available to help your business grow. 📅 21st-22nd January 2025 📍 51 Tempest Street, Wolverhampton, WV2 1AA What will you learn? ⬇️ 🔹 Understanding debt finance and interest rates 🔹 Exploring grants, crowdfunding, and alternative funding options 🔹 Angel Investors & Venture Capital – is it the right fit for your business? 🔹 How to create a professional pitch deck or business plan Bring your business plans and ideas along – let’s make them funding-ready! Spaces are limited, so book now to secure your spot. This workshop is exclusively for businesses based in Wolverhampton. 👇 https://lnkd.in/dQRw6mZN #BusinessFinance #FinancialChallenges #WestMidlandsSMEs #FinanceTips #BGWM #BusinessGrowth Oxford Innovation Advice Business Growth West Midlands Robert Rabone Helen Fortune Sharn Haywood-Higgs Vernon Hogg Davies Okeowo Connor McManus Heather Coupland Jack Francis Kelly Mike Dean

Meet Jack Francis Kelly, our expert for "Ask the Expert: Your Business & Finance Questions Answered." 🤝 With experience spanning ⬇️ ✅ Business Finance Strategy ✅ Brand Development & Emerging Markets ✅ Start-ups & Investment Readiness This session is packed to the brim with insights from someone who has been at the forefront of start-up growth, digital strategy, and financial planning. Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur or in the early stages of your business, this webinar is your chance to connect with finance and Business Growth Specialists. Ask your questions and get actionable advice tailored to you. 🫵 This FREE online event is a must for entrepreneurs. 📆 7 Jan 2025, 12:30 - 13:00pm 💻 Online – Attend from anywhere! To find out more and to book your place onto this insightful webinar 👇 https://lnkd.in/eYuW7btx #BusinessFinance #FinancialChallenges #WestMidlandsSMEs #FinanceTips #BGWM #BusinessGrowth Oxford Innovation Advice Business Growth West Midlands Robert Rabone Helen Fortune Sharn Haywood-Higgs Vernon Hogg Davies Okeowo Connor McManus Heather Coupland Jack Francis Kelly Mike Dean

"Knowing your numbers and payment timings can make or break your business." Paul Stokes, Director of FlexABL, highlights to Brody Swain the importance of financial planning and how invoice finance can alleviate cash flow challenges for SMEs! Learn more about the Investment Readiness Programme and how we can support your business planning 👇 https://lnkd.in/dCYiVhcU #BusinessFinance #FinancialChallenges #WestMidlandsSMEs #FinanceTips #BGWM #BusinessGrowth Oxford Innovation Advice Business Growth West Midlands Robert Rabone Helen Fortune Sharn Haywood-Higgs Vernon Hogg Davies Okeowo Connor McManus Heather Coupland Jack Francis Kelly Mike Dean

Booghe Toys 🧸 led by CEO Krishna Yadlapalli, started in 2015 as a thriving e-commerce platform, "selling happiness" through toys and collectibles. With over £10 million in turnover by 2020, the business expanded into physical retail with an experiential store at Birmingham's Fort Shopping Centre. Facing challenges in securing external investment for further growth, Krishna joined the Investment Readiness Programme (Access to Finance), through the Founders Club and received support from programme partners Oxford Innovation, gaining the skills and confidence to refine Booghe Toys' pitch and prove its scalability. Now, with plans for more stores, Booghe Toys is well-positioned for national expansion, blending immersive in-store experiences with its online success. Learn more about the Investment Readiness programme 👉 https://lnkd.in/eD3cg7hN Oxford Innovation Advice

"There is so much business support out there! " 💬 Catherine Bray MBA shares her top advice for local entrepreneurs and businesses with Brody Swain. Whether you're just starting out or looking to scale, the right support can make all the difference. 🎥 Watch the full interview here 👇 https://lnkd.in/etkkT3zF #BusinessFinance #FinancialChallenges #WestMidlandsSMEs #FinanceTips #BGWM #BusinessGrowth Oxford Innovation Advice Business Growth West Midlands Robert Rabone Helen Fortune Sharn Haywood-Higgs Vernon Hogg Davies Okeowo Connor McManus Heather Coupland Jack Francis Kelly Mike Dean

"One thing I will say is validate!" 💬 Connor McManus dropped gold at the Business Funding Summit talking to Brody Swain! Listen to Connor as he talks about validating your ideas before throwing time and money at them, pivoting and being persistent with your business goals. To watch the full interview 👇 https://lnkd.in/euMyK8hh #BusinessFinance #FinancialChallenges #WestMidlandsSMEs #FinanceTips #BGWM #BusinessGrowth Oxford Innovation Advice Business Growth West Midlands Robert Rabone Helen Fortune Sharn Haywood-Higgs Vernon Hogg Davies Okeowo Connor McManus Heather Coupland Jack Francis Kelly Mike Dean

From a vision to a reality! ⚽ Birmingham United FC’s ambitions stretch far beyond immediate financial stability. Their ultimate dream? To create a dedicated facility in the heart of Birmingham... a community hub where local youth can train, learn, and grow. This space would serve as a safe haven, offering mentorship programmes to deter young people from gang violence and providing a pathway to brighter futures. Through the support of the Business Growth West Midlands Investment Readiness Programme, Birmingham United is building the connections and securing the resources needed to make this dream a reality. From sponsorship-ready packages to strategic partnerships with local businesses, they’re laying the groundwork for a lasting impact. To read more about their inspiring journey and how they’re turning their vision into action visit our website 👇 https://lnkd.in/eQFfeEVV #BusinessFinance #FinancialChallenges #WestMidlandsSMEs #FinanceTips #BGWM #BusinessGrowth Oxford Innovation Advice Business Growth West Midlands Robert Rabone Helen Fortune Sharn Haywood-Higgs Vernon Hogg Davies Okeowo Connor McManus Heather Coupland Jack Francis Kelly Mike Dean Rajab Noor Siraj Hussain