Academy launches to support businesses seeking equity investment

Businesses looking to secure equity investment can now apply to join a fully-funded programme of workshops and masterclasses designed to help them prepare.

The Investment Academy has been launched by Boost; Lancashire’s Business Growth Hub’s Access to Finance service.

Participants will cover key areas of investment readiness for those seeking equity funding including developing a value proposition, how to identify and pitch to investors, concepts around valuing their business, HMRC initiatives and other implications when seeking equity finance.

The programme will support an initial cohort of up to 20 Lancashire business leaders through four face-to-face sessions which will take place in September and October.

The sessions will include workshops delivered by the members of Access to Finance team as well as masterclasses with investment experts from across the Lancashire business community. This is expected to include equity providers, legal and Intellectual Property specialists, university leaders, as well as branding experts to discuss creating a high-quality pitch deck.

Mark Gibbons, lead adviser, Boost Access to Finance, said: “Since relaunching the Access to Finance service in February as part of Boost, our expert team has been helping Lancashire businesses find and secure funding through our one-to-one support.

“Equity investment is one of the most difficult forms of funding for businesses to secure but having a deep understanding of your business finances and funding strategy significantly increases your chances of success. Our new Academy has been designed to provide businesses with this knowledge by working with the very best experts from across the county.

“By taking part, business leaders will gain a strong understanding of whether they are ready for external investment, the right option for them and how to find and secure it.”

Those who are interested in the Investment Academy are invited to an online launch event on July 10. It will include an overview of the current business finance landscape, further details about the Academy and give eligible businesses the opportunity to submit expressions of interest.

Boost is Lancashire’s Business Growth Hub. Its mission is to help Lancashire businesses thrive and since 2013, it has supported over 14,000 businesses, helping create 3,500 jobs while adding £100m to the local economy.