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PRODID:-//Microsoft Corporation//Outlook 11.0 MIMEDIR//EN
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DTSTART:20261117T091500Z
DTEND:20261117T143000Z
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DESCRIPTION;ENCODING=QUOTED-PRINTABLE:MoneyFest is a collaborative festival of all things funding and finance for SME’s in and around Milton Keynes=0D=0A=
It’s your opportunity to build 1-2-1 relationships with finance providers, unlock funding sources, and learn how you can get your business ready to secure funding. =0D=0A=
MoneyFest will welcome over 25 traditional and alternative funding providers to share their knowledge, insights and experiences of small-business funding. =0D=0A=
What’s in store: =0D=0A=
         Micro-talks/Panel sessions series:=0D=0A=
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    Hear directly from funding providers, Asset finance, Invoice finance, Crowdfunding, Brokerage and R&D Tax Credits=0D=0A=
    Start up and broader investing – What you need to know=0D=0A=
    Knowing the “true” value of your business=0D=0A=
    Getting your business ready to secure funding=0D=0A=
    Exploring how AI can help prepare you for investment =0D=0A=
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    Funding providers hall: =0D=0A=
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    Connect directly with the funding providers at MoneyFest, including UK Export Finance, InnovateUK, Barclays, Aureum Finance, Minerva Angels =0D=0A=
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Session 1 10:10 - 10:40am, hosted by Debbie Lewis, NatWest=0D=0A=
Lesser known funding alternatives=0D=0A=
In today's fast paced world, accessing funding through traditional routes isn't the only option. During this panel hear from the experts in Asset finance, Invoice finance, Crowdfunding, Brokerage and R&D Tax Credits=0D=0A=
Panellists: TBC=0D=0A=
Session 2 10:40 – 11:10am, hosted by Natalie Gasson-McKinley MBE, British Business Bank =0D=0A=
Start Up Loans and Beyond=0D=0A=
 For newer or smaller businesses, finding the right funding can be challenging. Whether you're starting out, looking to grow, or exploring new opportunities, understanding the options available is key. This panel discussion will focus on the British Business Bank’s Start Up Loans programme and the support available to early-stage businesses, while also touching on wider funding options, including debt and equity finance, as well as angel investing. We’ll also explore how the British Business Bank supports entrepreneurs across the UK through programmes designed to unlock the potential of people and place, broaden participation and help more underrepresented founders secure the funding they need to start and grow.=0D=0A=
Panellists:=0D=0A=
TJ Bouchada, Founder, Moody Cow Nails=0D=0A=
Dr Luke Langbein-Stott, Senior Commercial Manager, British Business Bank=0D=0A=
Debbie Sorby, Director East Midlands, British Business Bank =0D=0A=
Session 3 11:40 – 12:10pm, hosted by Ali Ataullah and Siqi Liu, The Open University Business School=0D=0A=
Turning an idea into a business valuation=0D=0A=
Converting a business idea into a viable business can be both challenging and exciting. An important step for startup founders is developing a convincing and financially realistic business proposal. This session will introduce founders to the financial section of a business proposal, including how to estimate how much funding the business needs, what the funding will be used for, and potential sources of finance. We will also discuss key tools that support financial planning, including cash flow forecasting and break-even analysis. Building on this financial foundation, the session will then explore the question: What is the value of my business? We will consider the meaning and sources of value for small and new businesses, highlight some tools that can provide rough estimates of value, and discuss the role of risk and uncertainty in valuation.=0D=0A=
Important Note: The session is for information/education purposes only and must not be seen as financial advice or personal recommendation of any type. Examples used in the session are hypothetical or based on publicly available data.=0D=0A=
Session 4 12:10 – 12:40pm, hosted by Ruth Roan, South Midlands Growth Hub =0D=0A=
Accessing larger procurement tenders & Grant Funding =0D=0A=
The grant funding landscape can be a complex and confusing one to navigate alone trying to establish what’s out there and if your business is eligible. The team at The South Midlands Growth Hub make it their mission to take some of these barriers away, simplifying the process for you as a business owner. We will share some of the current grant programmes available across the South Midlands, some of the key eligibility criteria and some common routes to securing the match funding usually required. We will also have some real life examples of businesses that have been successful to showcase the process and how it’s not as complex as you may think! We will also be joined by senior decision makers in some of the regions largest stakeholders to share more about how SME’s can access large scale supply chains in the South Midlands and be bid ready when those opportunities present. =0D=0A=
Panellists: =0D=0A=
Mark Culley, Head of Procurement, Milton Keynes City Council =0D=0A=
MadeSmarter Manufacturing=0D=0A=
Session 5 12:40 – 1pm, hosted by Ruth Dimes, The Open University Business School=0D=0A=
Inside the Investor's Mind - Exploring how AI agents can help SMEs prepare for investor conversations=0D=0A=
What if you could test how investors, lenders or even customers might react to your business proposal before you pitch for funding? This session introduces synthetic stakeholders—AI-driven simulations that replicate the perspectives of funders, analysts, and other stakeholders even including future generations and the natural environment. Drawing on a collaborative research project with the Knowledge Media Institute (KMI), we demonstrate how SMEs can use these tools to stress-test funding proposals, refine business case narratives and anticipate investor concerns around risk, credibility and growth potential. =0D=0A=
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The session will include practical examples and discussion of how Agentic AI can support—not replace—human judgement and ethical decision-making.=0D=0A=
Session 6 1 – 1:30pm, hosted by Devmali Perera and Katie Balaam, The Open University Business School =0D=0A=
Sustainability, AI and money decisions=0D=0A=
Sustainability information is becoming more important when people make funding and investment decisions. Businesses are increasingly expected to explain how they manage issues such as climate change, environmental impact, social responsibility and good governance. However, this information is often long, complex and difficult for non-experts to understand. This session introduces our research project that asks a simple question: Can AI tools help people understand sustainability information in annual reports more clearly? Funders, investors, customers and supply-chain partners are paying more attention to sustainability and want to know whether a business is managing risks responsibly, using resources wisely and building long-term resilience. For SMEs seeking funding or investments, understanding how sustainability information is read and judged can help them communicate their own story more clearly.=0D=0A=
1:30pm Networking & Exhibition=0D=0A=
2:30pm Event end=0D=0A=
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** Please note that we may share your personal data as appropriate with event partners and that by registering for this event you are agreeing to your information being shared with our event partners.=0D=0A=
The personal data shared is as follows – Name/Email/Phone=0D=0A=
Should you not want your personal data to be shared, please email: samantha.hunter@southmidlands.org.uk=0D=0A=
 
SUMMARY;ENCODING=QUOTED-PRINTABLE:MoneyFest The Open University 
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