Business growth and funding events, new hires, and important anniversaries
- Kim Hoang
- 2 days ago
- 4 min read
As summer draws to an end and we head towards autumn, there’s plenty to keep an eye out for at First Enterprise.
From our own Business Growth and Funding event in October to Ideas Fest in September, there are lots of opportunities to connect, learn, and grow.
We’re also looking forward to sharing some important milestones from across the team, including work anniversaries, welcoming a new staff member, and the release of our 2025/26 Social Impact Report.
So, grab a coffee and read on to find out what’s coming up in September and beyond.
Don’t miss out on the First Enterprise’s Business Growth and Funding event this October
If you’re looking to grow your business, understand your funding options, or simply want to connect with people who can help you take your next steps, our Business Growth and Funding: Practical Insights for Midlands SMEs event should be on your calendar.
Taking place on the 15th of October 2026, from 9.30am to 1pm, at the Dryden Enterprise Centre in Nottingham, the event has been designed specifically to give Midlands SMEs practical advice, useful connections, and a clearer understanding of the support and finance available to them.
What can you expect?
The morning will bring together business experts, finance specialists, and entrepreneurs for a programme of:
Expert panels and guest speakers
Practical insights into business growth and funding
1-2-1 Funding Clinics
Opportunities to speak directly with First Enterprise Investment Managers and Business Advisors
Networking with other local businesses and organisations.
The event is designed to be useful whether you’re at the beginning of your growth journey or already running an established business.
Perhaps you’re considering investing in new equipment, taking on staff, moving into new premises, or launching a new product or service. Maybe you’re trying to improve cash flow, manage rising costs, or understand how external finance could help you achieve your plans. Or perhaps you’re not looking for funding right now but want to be better prepared for the future.
Whatever stage you’re at, the morning will provide an opportunity to step away from the day-to-day and focus on the bigger picture.
Get practical advice for your business
One of the biggest benefits of attending is the opportunity to have real conversations about your business. Rather than simply listening to presentations, you’ll be able to ask questions, share your challenges, and explore potential solutions with people who understand the realities of running an SME.
Our Investment Managers and Business Advisors will also be available for 1-2-1 conversations through dedicated Funding Clinics. It’s a chance to find out more about the finance available through First Enterprise, understand whether it could be suitable for your circumstances, and get practical guidance on what your next steps could look like.
You’ll also have the opportunity to meet other business owners and professionals from across the Midlands. Because sometimes the most valuable connection you make at an event isn’t the one you expected to make.
Whether you leave with a new idea, a useful contact, a better understanding of funding, or a clearer plan for your next stage of growth, we want you to come away with something genuinely useful.
Ideas Fest in September is an opportunity for entrepreneurs to network
September brings one of the UK's most exciting festivals for entrepreneurs, innovators and business leaders. This year, First Enterprise is proud to be sponsoring and hosting the Female Founders Unfiltered Tent at Ideas Fest, creating a dedicated space for honest conversations, practical advice, and inspiring stories from women in business.
Whether you're just starting out, growing an established business, or simply looking to connect with like-minded founders, the tent will be packed with opportunities to learn, share experiences, and build valuable connections.
Our team will be playing an active role throughout the festival, delivering interactive sessions, joining panel discussions, sharing real founder success stories, and helping entrepreneurs better understand their funding and growth options. Topics will include accessing finance, overcoming funding barriers, business growth, responsible borrowing, and preparing successful loan applications.
Representing First Enterprise at Ideas Fest will be Petra Eddison (Business Advisor), Lottie Naylor (Investment Manager), Zainab Bukhari (Investment Manager), and Nabeel Akhter (Senior Investment Manager).
If you're attending Ideas Fest, be sure to visit the Female Founders Unfiltered Tent. Whether you have questions about starting a business, securing finance, planning your next stage of growth, or simply want to meet the team, we'd love to chat and hear what you're working on.
A new hire and two important work anniversaries
We've had a few reasons to celebrate recently, starting with welcoming Abdullah to First Enterprise as our new Portfolio & Risk Manager. Abdullah joins us with experience spanning investment management, portfolio analysis and Islamic finance, along with an impressive collection of qualifications in finance and law.
He says he was particularly drawn to First Enterprise because of our social mission and the opportunity to support businesses that create a positive impact in their communities.
Outside of work, he's a keen sportsman, has lived on three continents, and is currently combining his love of football and technology by exploring how AI can analyse match footage. We're delighted to have him on board.
We're also celebrating two important milestones within the team. Seth, one of our Investment Managers, has reached his two-year anniversary, while Mohsin, one of our Business Advisors, is celebrating four years with First Enterprise.
Between them, they've supported hundreds of entrepreneurs to access finance, overcome challenges and take their businesses to the next level.
They're also two of the friendliest faces you'll find in the office. Seth is never far away from a joke, while Mohsin has earned a reputation as the unofficial king of snacks.
We'd like to thank them both for their hard work, dedication and the positive impact they've had on our customers and colleagues over the years. Here's to many more milestones ahead!
Ready to take the next step?
Whether you’re thinking about starting a business, looking to grow an established company, or simply want to understand what support and finance could be available, our team is here to help.
To get in touch with our advisors, simply complete the form below or call us at 0345 602 7355.
We’d love to hear from you and find out more about your business.
