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Are you a sole trader or running a small business with no more than five employees? Have you been trading for less than five years? Are you looking for a supportive network to help grow your business. If so, our Wolverhampton Mentoring Programme is designed with you in mind and is launched over a Networking Lunch on Tuesday 1st July at Wolverhampton Science Park. This exciting initiative aims to support emerging businesses like yours through expert guidance, valuable connections, and practical resources.
Here’s what you can expect:
👥 A Community of Local Business Leaders
Benefit from the wisdom and experience of a diverse, multi-sector pool of mentors. These local business leaders will join us at monthly networking events, sharing their personal business journeys – the highs, the lows, and everything in between.
📅 Quarterly Growth-Focused Events
Each quarter, we’ll host events featuring national mentoring organisations and business growth experts to spotlight additional support available to help your business thrive.
📰 Monthly Mentor Newsletters
Stay inspired and informed with our monthly newsletter, packed with:
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Updates from regional and national programmes
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Mentor insights and top tips
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Useful resources to help you grow
Want to find out more? Come along to our networking lunch at Wolverhampton Science Park on 1st July.
For more details click here.
Tired of guessing your numbers or winging your business plan? It’s time to change that.
On 11 & 12 June the Investment Readiness Programme will run a two-day deep dive into Business Planning & Financial Forecasting - designed specifically for businesses ready to scale and secure the funding they need.
We’re not talking generic advice. Over two packed days, you’ll 👇
✅ Build realistic cashflow, P&L, and pricing forecasts
✅ Understand the actual funding landscape - debt, grants, and everything in between
✅ Create a finance-ready business plan tailored to investors and lenders
✅ Get hands-on support from Business Finance Specialists who’ve helped hundreds of businesses raise funding and grow.
🗓️ 11 June, 9am to 12 June, 3:30pm
📍 Global Banking School, Norfolk House, Smallbrook Queensway, Birmingham
Reserve your spot and come armed with any plans or forecasts you already have - to book a place click here
This month marked the exciting launch of Midlands SME Finance – not a formal entity, but a collaborative effort by six of the region’s leading alternative funders, united by one goal: to help more SMEs access the finance they need to scale and succeed.
With loans ranging from £10,000 to £250,000, this new initiative is aimed at businesses who may have struggled to secure funding through traditional channels such as high street banks.
💼 Supporting Growth Through Alternative Finance
Among the key partners is Black Country Reinvestment Society (BCRS), based right here in Wolverhampton. BCRS brings a distinctive and people-focused approach to lending, offering:
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✅ Support for businesses overlooked by traditional lenders
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✅ A relationship-based, face-to-face lending model
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✅ No early repayment fees
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✅ A strong commitment to treating every customer fairly
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✅ Flexible, tailored solutions – never a one-size-fits-all
This collaborative approach not only expands access to finance but also showcases the diverse and flexible funding options available to small and medium-sized businesses across the Midlands.
For more information, click here or contact: 03453138410
We had a full house last week at Wolverhampton Science Park for our popular workshop, ‘Introduction to Innovate UK Business Growth’ – and the energy in the room was incredible! Eamonn O’Connor, Senior Innovation and Growth Specialist at Innovate UK, delivered an insightful session that introduced delegates to the mission, strategic priorities, and wide-ranging opportunities available through Innovate UK to support innovation in businesses of all sizes and sectors.
📅 Next Workshop: Tuesday 17 June
Missed out this time? Don’t worry – we’re back with another Innovate UK Business Growth Workshop on Tuesday 17 June.
Join us to:
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Understand how to plan and develop your innovation strategy
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Hear success stories from local entrepreneurs
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Explore how innovation can unlock growth, even in unexpected ways
For more details, click here.
💡Not Sure If Your Business is "Innovative"? Think Again!
Many businesses don’t see themselves as "innovative" – and therefore may not consider themselves eligible for support. But you might be surprised at the variety of businesses Innovate UK has helped.
👉 Curious to see who’s been supported?
Take a look through some of their inspiring case studies here and discover what might be possible for your business.
Did you know our City Council Business Growth Team is a partner in Business Growth West Midlands?
This collaborative regional initiative directly funds a range of targeted programmes and resources designed to help local businesses thrive – whether you’re just starting out or scaling up.
🚀 Programmes You Can Access Include:
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Export Starts Here – Helping businesses break into new international markets with confidence.
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High Growth Accelerator – Tailored support for ambitious businesses ready to scale rapidly.
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Workshops & Webinars – Covering everything from funding to innovation, leadership to digital skills.
These initiatives are free to access and backed by expert advisors who understand the local landscape and the challenges you face.
For more information why not sign up to their regular newsletter, click here.
The West Midlands Lieutenancy and The Sandwell Colleges are delighted to invite you to a special Masterclass on the King’s Awards for Enterprise, the most prestigious recognition a UK business can receive.
🗓 Date: Tuesday 10 June 2025
🕥 Time: 10:30am – 1:00pm
📍 Venue: Sandwell College, West Bromwich, B70 6AW
This is a unique opportunity for ambitious businesses and entrepreneurs across the West Midlands to gain a deep understanding of the King's Awards for Enterprise — the highest official UK accolade for British businesses.
You’ll gain insight into:
• What the King’s Awards are and why they matter
• The four categories: Innovation, International Trade, Sustainable Development and Promoting Opportunity through Social Mobility
• What makes a winning entry
• First-hand experiences from previous winners
• The application process and key tips for success
This event is proudly supported by Sandwell Council, City of Wolverhampton Council and the Black Country Chamber of Commerce.
Whether you're exploring new ways to grow, looking to raise your profile, or simply want to learn more about what’s possible, this session will offer the knowledge and inspiration to take your business further.
Register for your space here.
To support your business enquiry and growth our team can conduct a free business diagnostic and connect you quickly to the right support.
If you have any queries relating to business support, growing your business, or some of the challenges you are facing, then please call the council's Business Support helpline on 01902 555572 or complete the online enquiry form here
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