Unlock Your Growth: Funding & Support for Greater Manchester Businesses

Unlock Your Growth: Funding & Support for Greater Manchester Businesses

Date: Monday 3rd November 2025

Time: 17:00 - 19:00

Venue: The Innovation Hub, based at Oldham College’s Business Centre, Rochdale Rd, Oldham OL9 6AA

Ready to Start, Grow and Thrive? This is your invitation to an essential, high‑energy event that puts practical business support and funding solutions within your reach.

Whether you’re launching your first venture or steering an established small / medium sized business, discover how our GC Business Finance and GM Business Growth Hub teams (part of The Growth Company) can get you investment‑ready and connect you with the right finance to fuel your ambitions.

You’ll also hear from two business owners who have used our support and finance services to start and grow their businesses.

Our expert business advisers will be available for you to have conversations about your needs for now and the future.

Speakers:

• Oliver Taylor – Founder of Black Milk
• Mr Olaoluwa Michael Giwa – Founder of Changed Studios
• Joanne Barlow– Investment Manager – NPIF II Growth Loans, GCBF
• Ashley Alletson – Start Up Loans Business Support Manager, GCBF
• Heather Waters – Access to Finance Network Manager, GM Business Growth Hub

In this powerful panel discussion, you’ll:

• Get the inside track on the current UK business landscape and how fully‑funded, government and GMCA‑backed programmes can help Greater Manchester SMEs prepare for funding success.

• Learn from the experts at The GM Business Growth Hub Access to Finance and GC Business Finance teams — your trusted alternative finance partners when traditional lenders can’t deliver.

• Explore real options - from start‑up loans to growth finance - explained without jargon and tailored to your stage of business.

• Be inspired by lived experience - including Manchester founder Oliver Taylor of Black Milk who went from hospitality worker to landing national contracts and supermarket shelves with the help of targeted funding. And Michael Giwa of Changed Studios, who has just gained Start Up Funding for his new one-stop beauty salon business.

You’ll walk away with:

• A clear, actionable plan for securing the right type of finance.
• Expert insight into what funders are looking for and how to increase your chances.
• Direct connections to support services and people who can help you grow.

Plus — stay for our post‑panel networking reception to connect with speakers, fellow entrepreneurs, and potential collaborators. Food and drinks provided.

Spaces are limited - secure yours now and be part of this vital conversation.

GC Business Finance is a leading not-for-profit lender specialising in simple, hassle free loans and equity finance to help businesses start, grow and thrive. Part of the Growth Company and established in 2002, GC Business Finance supports start-ups and SMEs that may struggle with traditional bank funding by offering flexible, innovative financing solutions. Backed by the British Business Bank and the Northern Power Investment Fund (NPIF), they provide:

• Start-Up Loans Scheme: Personal loans from £500 to £25k for businesses trading under three years.
• NPIF II Fund: Growth loans ranging from £25k to £100k for North West SMEs.
• Equity Finance via GC Angels: Investment opportunities of up to £2m for early-stage businesses opting for revenue-sharing over conventional debt.

GC Business Finance has supported over 85,000 businesses with £1.16 billion of finance.

GM Business Growth Hub is Greater Manchester’s business support organisation. Part of The Growth Company, we help unlock potential in businesses that want to achieve more. We are a community of specialists with a passion for helping businesses of all sizes and sectors, from self-employed to large enterprises, to realise their full potential. We bring deep knowledge and insight into Greater Manchester’s growth sectors, with a wide range of expertise that offers valuable perspectives on the city region’s priority frontier sectors.

Our Access to Finance team assists businesses in navigating and accessing the most suitable finance options, whether through traditional lending, government grants, or alternative funding streams, to support growth, investment, and long-term sustainability.

Photography & Filming Notice:

By registering for a ticket and attending this event, you consent to being photographed and/or filmed. Images and footage may be used for promotional and marketing purposes by the organisers in print, online, and social media. If you do not wish to be photographed or filmed, please inform a member of staff on arrival.