Looking to secure funding for your business but unsure where to start?
Join Business Growth Dorset for a practical breakfast-time event designed to help SMEs, start-ups and growing businesses understand their finance options and prepare for a successful funding application.
Wednesday 30 September 2026
8:30am to 10:30am
Evolve, 3 Winchester Place, Poole, BH15 1NX
Hear from finance and lending experts who will explain what funders look for, common mistakes to avoid, and the different routes available to access business finance. You'll also have the opportunity to ask questions, make new local business connections and find out about other support available to your business.
You'll take away:
- A better understanding of the funding options available.
- Practical tips to improve your finance readiness.
- Insight into what lenders and funders want to see.
- A clearer idea of how to prepare for a funding application
- New connections with other Dorset businesses.
Click here to book your place
Meet the speakers
Amelia Atkins - Business Advisor, Evolve
Amelia is a qualified accountant with a degree in Business and experience of working in both practice and industry. Having spent the last 12 years working with a range of businesses in different stages of the business lifecycle, she has joined the team to support in delivering programmes and offering forecasting, valuation and advisory support to businesses.
Amelia will look at how to get your business finance-ready, from understanding costs and cashflow to preparing the information funders need to see.
John Murray - Business Manager, SWIG Finance
John has a background in social investment and business finance and joined SWIG Finance in February 2026. He covers the Dorset region supporting businesses with finance for growth and development. He works with businesses seeking loans from £25,000 to £250,000 for cash flow, refinancing and acquisitions. SWIG Finance is also a Start Up Loans provider, with a dedicated team offering loans of up to £25,000 per director.
John will explore the finance options available to new and growing businesses, what lenders look for and how businesses can strengthen their applications.
Getting there
- Chapel Lane car park (BH15 1NZ) is directly opposite and has a maximum stay of four hours. RingGo location 3251.
- Poole railway and bus stations are only a couple of minutes' walk away.
- If you're cycling, bikes can be brought inside and stored securely during the event.
Accessibility
The event and meeting rooms are on the ground floor. There is one small step from the pavement into the building and internal doorways are wide enough to accommodate wheelchair users. There is a small shared visitor car park at Winchester Place, although spaces cannot be guaranteed, a disabled parking space can usually be reserved at the front of the building. Please contact us in advance if you would like us to arrange this.
If you have any accessibility requirements or would like to discuss arrangements before booking, please contact us.
Part of the Business Growth Dorset Breakfast Series
This event is part of the fully funded Business Growth Dorset Breakfast Series, supporting Dorset businesses with expert insights, practical guidance and valuable networking opportunities.
Look out for our next events across Dorset:
- Wednesday 4th November 2026 - Equipping Yourself for Growth - BRIDPORT
- Wednesday 25th November 2026 - Digital, Technology, AI & Cyber Security - DORCHESTER
- Wednesday 27th January 2027 - Sales & Marketing for Growth - WEYMOUTH
- Wednesday 24th February 2027 Intellectual Property & Legal - NORTH DORSET
- Wednesday 24th March 2027 Business Growth & Investment - FERNDOWN
Each session combines expert insight with opportunities to make useful connections, exchange experiences and discover business support, funding and resources available locally.
Places are free but limited, so early booking is recommended.
https://buytickets.at/businessgrowthdorset/2359551
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Can't make this event?
You don't have to wait for the next Business Growth Breakfast to get support. Book a free 1:1 with one of our Business navigators to talk about your business, the challenges you're facing and the support that could help you move forward.