Finance experts offer advice & support at the Funding Game event in the Guildhall.

One of the highlights of this year's Enterprise Week, which Derry City and Strabane District Council are hosting, is the Funding Game, aimed at providing local businesses with advice on applying for and simplifying the current funding landscape.

Scheduled to take place on Tuesday 07th, March at the Guildhall's Main Hall, the Funding Game is an innovative event for start-ups and existing businesses looking to develop and grow. Attendees will have access to a wide range of business support organisations, highlighting opportunities for grant funding. The event will provide information on support available to make your vision a reality.

Learn from local SMEs with first-hand experience of processes and opportunities, which could give your business the same chance of success. The Funding Game event takes place March 7th from 10:00 am to 1:30 pm, and attendees are encouraged to register in advance. In addition to hearing from keynote speakers and a panel discussion, participants can also attend one-to-one meetings.

Keynote speaker Susan McKane, Senior Manager NI with the British Business Bank, will provide attendees with advice and knowledge on navigating the current financial landscape and accessing various funding models, commercial debt, equity funding, angel investors, and business support grants.

The event will include a broader panel discussion with early-stage founders who have successfully accessed grant support. Among those participating in the panel discussions are Colin Gorman, CEO of Pneuma Healthcare; Susan Kelly, Chief Executive Officer at Respiratory Analytics AFIO-TM; Patricia Kelpie, co-founder, and CEO of Star 3 Group Ltd; Jim Nash, co-founder of Wild Atlantic Distillery and Stephen Toland, founder Social Script. The event will close with a Q & A, networking clinic, and opportunities for attendees to engage with funders.

Encouraging local businesses to sign up, Head of Business with Derry City and Strabane District Council Kevin O'Connor said this event is a must for all local SMEs interested in finding out about the level of support available to help them fund their business and navigate the challenges they face.

"Building on the success of last year's event, The Funding Game is one of the key events organised as part of Enterprise Week. This event will be of huge interest to local businesses. It is a unique opportunity to meet with funders and access support. It is also an excellent chance to talk with the experts and network with other local companies to share experiences and knowledge.

"We are delighted with the range of support organisations attending the event. They can provide practical advice to help our businesses simplify and plan their business development journey.

Encouraging businesses to register to attend the Funding Game and to view the other events scheduled during Enterprise Week 6th -10th March, Kevin O'Connor said: "We have a strong business community here in the North West, and this event provides a platform to make meaningful connections. Suppose you have a fantastic business idea that you can't wait to get off the ground, or perhaps you're an established business looking for new ideas; the 2023 programme will offer a mix of expert advice and practical sessions led by local industry leaders. The Business team at the Council is here to signpost you to the advice you need at all stages of your business journey."

For more information on Enterprise Week and to register for events, visit www.derrystrabane.com/enterpriseweek