mall and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) across the West Midlands have already secured £2.5m in investment through a regional programme designed to boost growth. Organisers now aim to help businesses access an additional £24m as the region’s largest funding summit takes place in Birmingham on 20 November.
The West Midlands Business Funding Summit will bring together financial institutions, investors, and advisers at STEAMhouse, a centre for business and innovation, to demystify funding and help businesses capitalise on growth opportunities.
Tackling the Challenges of SME Finance
The summit is hosted by Oxford Innovation Advice, which runs the Business Growth West Midlands Investment Readiness programme. The initiative has already supported over 600 businesses, helping 13 companies secure a combined £2.5m in funding.
Jane Galsworthy, managing director of Oxford Innovation Advice, explained that access to funding remains a key hurdle for many entrepreneurs:
“Understanding the complex financial landscape can be daunting for SMEs. This event is about more than just identifying funding; it’s about connecting businesses to the networks, expertise, and tools needed to grow sustainably,” she said.
A highlight of the programme includes the success of Booghe Toys, a regional toy retailer that recently secured £1.2m to fuel its expansion. The programme aims to support up to 2,000 SMEs across sectors including manufacturing, technology, creative industries, and food and drink.
Event Highlights
The summit will feature keynote speeches by businesses that have secured funding and panel discussions on preparing for external investment. Jane Galsworthy said the timing of the event is ideal, given the uncertainty many businesses have faced in the lead-up to the Autumn Budget.
While recognising the challenges of rising tax burdens, she emphasised the growth opportunities available through the right financial strategies.
Exhibitors at the event include key players in the finance ecosystem such as Barclays Business Bank, Mercia Ventures, and ART Business Loans. Professional organisations will also be on hand to provide broader advice on SME support.
A Free Opportunity for Local Entrepreneurs
Funded by the West Midlands Combined Authority under the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, the summit is free to attend. Organisers are encouraging SMEs from across Birmingham, Solihull, and the Black Country to register, with a particular focus on creative industries, manufacturing, and tech companies.
Spaces are limited to 175 delegates, with places available via Eventbrite.
“This summit will give businesses the tools and connections they need to thrive,” said Galsworthy. “By leveraging the funding ecosystem, SMEs can turn their growth ambitions into reality.”
The summit reflects a broader regional effort to empower small businesses, which are vital to the West Midlands’ economy.