Unlocking Opportunities: Inside the Funding Carousel at the Durham Business Growth Summit

Accessing the right finance at the right time can be the turning point for any business - whether you’re launching a new idea, expanding into new markets, innovating with cutting-edge technology, or strengthening your foundations for future growth. That’s why the Funding Carousel will be one of the most anticipated features of the upcoming Durham Business Growth Summit.

Bringing together many of the North East’s most influential funders, investors, lenders and support organisations, the carousel will give businesses face-to-face access to expert advice on grants, loans, equity investment and tailored growth support. Throughout the event, delegates will rotate between finance specialists, ask questions, explore options, and build the connections that could power their next phase of development.

Here’s a look at the funders who will be taking part - and the breadth of opportunities they will bring to the room.

Big Issue Invest

One of the UK’s leading social impact investors, Big Issue Invest will offer insight into funding for socially-minded businesses, charities and community enterprises. For organisations focused on delivering both commercial and social value, their presence at the carousel will open up new routes to sustainable, purpose-led growth.

British Business Bank

The British Business Bank aims to drive sustainable growth and prosperity across the UK, and to enable the transition to a net zero economy by improving access to finance for smaller businesses. The Bank provides expertise that helps businesses at every stage of their journey.

In 2025, it brought British Business Investments and British Patient Capital under one umbrella, making it the UK’s largest domestic investor in venture and growth finance. This integration has strengthened its ability to offer more diverse, accessible and plentiful funding options for SMEs.  Today, the Bank continues to widen access to finance, provide practical tools and information, and build strong regional networks - helping shape a prosperous future for small businesses across the UK.

Corporate & Commercial Business Solutions (CCBS)

Corporate and Commercial Business Solutions Group (CCBSG) specialises in providing innovative funding solutions for SMEs navigating an ever-changing finance landscape. As traditional funding routes don’t always meet the needs of growing businesses, CCBSG helps companies explore wider options and connect with lenders who have the appetite to support their growth.

FW Capital

FW Capital is a specialist SME finance provider offering flexible funding to help businesses grow across the North of England. They provide finance for business acquisitions, property development and bond funding. Since 2010, FW Capital has delivered £382 million into the northern economy, building a strong track record of helping businesses secure the capital they need. They work collaboratively with local authorities, business support organisations, intermediaries and funders, and have an extensive business network across the UK.

Maven Capital Partners

Maven are one of the UK's most active SME finance providers. We back growing businesses across a range of sectors, providing the essential capital and expertise to unlock potential and build scale. Mavens funding solutions have helped hundreds of management teams across the UK make their vision a reality and achieve transformational levels of growth. Funds managed by Maven include the Finance Durham Fund which provides flexible equity, debt and mezzanine funding packages from £150000 to £2 million for early stage and established businesses.

NEL Fund Managers

NEL provides investment to ambitious businesses with funding needs starting from £25,000, offering up to £2 million and the option to participate in larger funding rounds alongside other investors.

They manage two key funds under NPIF II:

• Smaller Loans Fund (£25,000–£100,000): Designed for start-ups, early-stage companies and established SMEs needing support for growth or development projects, helping to bridge smaller funding gaps.

• Debt Finance Fund (£100,000–£2 million): Aimed at scaling businesses that need larger investment to move to the next level — such as hiring staff, launching new products, expanding marketing activity or purchasing equipment. This fund supports companies with clear growth potential.

  
  

UMi

UMi will be on hand to help businesses understand the funding landscape. Their advisers will outline available grants, support programmes and the practical steps companies can take to ensure they are investment-ready and well placed to secure the finance they need.

Why the Funding Carousel Will Matter

Finance is often one of the biggest barriers to growth - but it’s also one of the most misunderstood. The Funding Carousel will break down these barriers by giving businesses:

• Direct access to real decision-makers

• Clarity on what funding will be available

• Guidance on eligibility and application processes

• Opportunities to explore a wider range of funding routes

• The chance to build long-term relationships with lenders and investors

  
  

With County Durham companies working across advanced manufacturing, technology, creative industries, professional services, retail, hospitality and more, the funding landscape will never be one-size-fits-all. The carousel will help local businesses connect with the right partners for their unique growth journeys.

Part of a Bigger Vision for County Durham’s Growth

The Funding Carousel will form a key part of the Durham Business Growth Summit, a flagship event bringing together business leaders, innovators, funders and support organisations to explore future opportunities for economic growth across the region.

The summit will showcase the extensive support available to businesses in County Durham, from skills development and digital transformation to exporting, innovation and scale-up assistance.

Join us for this unmissable session book now and be part of it.

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