This Spring is packed with events and support to help your business grow, read on!






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The newsletter of the *Nottingham team* of the *D2N2 Growth Hub*

 

We're here to support "your business."

 




*This Spring is packed with events and support to help your business grow, read on!*

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Investment Readiness

Get Investment Ready!

Are you looking to scale your business and attract investment? The Investment Readiness Support programme is here to help you prepare for funding opportunities and connect with the tools and networks you need to grow.

Funded by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) and supported by Nottingham City Council, this programme is designed to build on recent progress in making Nottingham a more attractive place for investors. By taking part, you’ll gain access to tailored guidance and support to strengthen your investment proposition and grow with confidence.

This local initiative also complements wider regional and national efforts to boost early-stage investment outside of London creating a stronger, more resilient business landscape in the East Midlands.

 

*Why get involved?*

By joining, you’ll be helping to position Nottingham as a thriving, investor-ready city. Whether you're an established business or an emerging venture, this support can help secure investment and contribute to a more innovative and sustainable local economy.

The programme begins with a launch event titled "'Money, Money, Money! But if you’re a business—who has it, and how do you get it?'", an engaging session exploring the debt, equity, and grant finance options available to smaller businesses across Nottingham.

 

*To learn more about the project please email us at: [email protected]*

*Follow us on X to stay updated with the latest news about the programme, upcoming events, and funding opportunities at: @GrowingNottm [ [link removed] ]*

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Money Money Money! But if you’re a business, who has it and how do you get it?

*Date & Time*: 22 May 2025, 10AM-12PM

*Location:* Online Event

 

*Event Overview*

ACCESS TO FUNDING CAN MAKE OR BREAK A BUSINESS!

Whether you're starting up, scaling up, or simply exploring your options, understanding how to fund your business is crucial.

Join us for this informative session focused on the Debt, Equity and Grant finance options available to smaller businesses across Nottingham and the wider East Midlands. You’ll hear directly from finance providers and business support organisations about what they’re looking for and how to position your business for success.

* *

*What You’ll Gain:*


* *Funding Roadmap for 2025:*Explore finance options, from business loans to investment rounds, and understand what’s right for you.
* *Debt, Equity, and Grants Explained: *Learn the differences between these key funding pillars and how to leverage them effectively.
* *Exclusive Grants for Nottingham Businesses: *Discover grants available in Nottingham City in 2025 and how to apply.

* *

*Meet the Speakers*

*Lewis Stringer* "Senior Manager – British Business Bank" An overview of funding routes for SMEs and how the British Business Bank supports access to finance.

*Danielle Davis* "Deputy Director – First Enterprise – Enterprise Loans" Insights into debt finance and how small businesses can access the right loan support.

*Luke Pulford* "Head of Minerva – Minerva Business Angels Network" Understanding equity finance and how to connect with angel investors through Minerva.

*John O’Donnell* "Business Adviser – Nottingham City Council" An update on the latest business grants available in Nottingham.

* *

*Register at: [link removed] [ [link removed] ]*

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b

AI & Digital Marketing Conference & Exhibition

*Date & Time:* 6 June 2025, 8:00AM - 4:00PM

*Location*: East Midlands Conference Centre, Nottingham, NG7 2RJ

 

*Event Overview*

Join us for this highly anticipated one-day conference, covering the latest AI trends, real life case studies and effective digital marketing tactics to gain the best advantage for your business.

TEDx speaker and award-winning entrepreneur Joyann Boyce of InClued.ai is the keynote speaker and will be joined by a host of digital marketing experts sharing their practical expertise.

If you want to take advantage of AI opportunities in reaching new audiences, winning or retaining customers, and improving sales & marketing productivity, this free event will hit the spot!

 

*Topics being covered:*


* AI Will Always Be a Puppy – Joyann Boyce
* How AI Is Changing Search Engine Optimisation – Ian Lockwood
* AI in 2025: Assistants, Agents, and Advanced Reasoning – Martin Broadhurst
* Generative Experiences: The Future of AI Enabled Websites – Rob Gregory
* Ethical AI Guidelines for Content Marketing – Paul Ince
* The Impact of AI on Paid Digital Marketing – Liam Lally

We’re expecting high demand, so please book your free place on now. Please note, you will need to register to book (if you haven’t previously done so).

 

*This conference is sponsored by NetMonkeys. Book your free place at: [link removed] [ [link removed] ]*

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d

 

*Safer Food Means Better Business*

Running a food business can be complex, but staying compliant doesn’t have to be. The Food Standards Agency is here to help with free training, checklists, and the latest guidance to keep your customers safe.

Don’t miss out on these free resources.

*Visit www.food.gov.uk/here-to-help [ [link removed] ]*

 

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Starting in Business Programme Group 4

*Date & Time:* 12 May 2025, 9:30AM-3:30PM & 13 May 9:30AM-3:30PM

*Location:* Online Event

*This programme is available to individuals based in Nottingham City, Nottinghamshire, Lincoln City, Lincolnshire and Leicester City. **

This two-day programme of workshops led by one of our experienced business trainers will teach you the nuts and bolts of starting and running a successful business.

*Over the course of the programme, we will cover:*


* Knowledge, skills, and characteristics needed by successful business owners
* Sole trader, limited company, partnership – which is best for you?
* Your legal responsibilities as a business owner
* Marketing your business
* Understanding tax, National Insurance and VAT
* Record keeping and business banking
* Start up and running costs
* Planning your personal survival budget
* How to price your product or service
* Importance of cash flow forecasting for your business

*Eligibility checks will be made

*Book Your FREE Place Today!* [ [link removed] ]

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Innovate Local: East Midlands

*Date & Time: *13 May 2025, 09:00-15:45

*Location:* Trent Conference Centre, Unit 1, Easter Park Lenton Lane, NG7 2PX

 

*Event Overview*

Do you want to grow or improve your business but aren’t sure how to get started or where to turn? Then join us at Innovate Local: East Midlands along with fellow business leaders, innovators, and experts.

We’ll explore the power of innovation and how it can: 


* Drive Business Growth: Learn how innovation can lead to increased profitability, market share, and customer loyalty.
* Boost Competitiveness: Discover how staying ahead of industry trends and embracing innovation can give your business a competitive edge.
* Foster Resilience: In today’s ever-changing business landscape, innovation is a key driver of adaptability and long-term success.

*Who should attend? *

Any business based in East Midlands from any sector / industry. Whether you’re a small start-up or an established enterprise, this event is designed to help you understand the power of innovation and its practical applications.

* *

*Why should you attend? *


* Connect with innovation experts and potential collaborators from your region.
* Discover the opportunities and incentives for ambitious innovators and businesses in East Midlands.
* Network with like-minded professionals from East Midlands’s thriving business community.
* Take your next practical step towards transforming your business through innovation.

*Register at: Summary - Innovate Local: East Midlands [ [link removed] ]*

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The Innovation Challenge

A Tailor-Made Competition Working to Support SME’s On Their Innovation Journey

The Innovation Challenge 2025 is powered by TBAT Innovation, in partnership with Headline Sponsor Shakespeare Martineau [ [link removed] ] and Platinum Sponsor Barclays Eagle Labs [ [link removed] ].

The Innovation Challenge leverages the expertise of our unique partner network while seeing our partners come together to deliver four free-to-attend, vibrant, and informative workshops.

Businesses are then encouraged to apply to win, with the Top 10 pitching live at our Finalist Showcase event in October.

*PHASE 1*

*March – June 2025:* 4 free-to-attend online workshops take place covering key elements of business growth. The workshops are open to all, with no requirement to apply to win the overall challenge.

*PHASE 2*

*June 2025:* Applications open and businesses can apply to win The Innovation Challenge by submitting an application form and supporting documents. See eligibility criteria here [ [link removed] ].

*PHASE 3*

*October 2025:* Shortlisted organisations will be invited to pitch LIVE at our Finalist Showcase event, where our judging panel will crown our Winner and 2 Runners-up.

*Browse the workshops at: **The Innovation Challenge 2025 - TBAT Innovation* [ [link removed] ]

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7 themes, 4 days, 1 Festival for a Better Future

*Date & Time: *Tuesday, 13th May 2025 at 9:30am - 4:30pm

*Location: *Venue to Follow

 

*Event Overview*

The Nottingham 'Tech for Good' Festival is a dynamic 4-day event celebrating the positive impact of technology to tackle global challenges, environmental stewardship, and digital inclusivity.

Taking place across Nottingham from the 13th to 16th May 2025, it will feature cutting-edge design and innovation using a mix of inspiring talks and workshops presented by industry thought leaders, professionals, and academics.

 

*Tech for Good themes*

Events for the festival will focus around 7 themes which aim to inspire, educate, and connect technology professionals, academics, and the public, whilst showcasing how technology can be used to create meaningful change.


* Community
* Data Security & Privacy
* Digital Futures
* Diversity, Equality & Inclusion
* Ethical Outcomes
* Environment & Sustainability
* Responsible AI

*Register at: **Nottingham Tech For Good Festival* [ [link removed] ]




_Please note that as part of the wider D2N2 Growth Hub service, Nottingham City Council may share data with partners to allow  businesses to receive updates on support related topics and opportunities. if you wish to unsubscribe then click on link below._



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Contact the Nottingham team of the D2N2 Growth Hub on 0333 0069178

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