Finance Readiness Programme (Online)

After completing the programme, participants will be able to:

• Demonstrate awareness of various finance sources and methods of evaluation
• Determine the suitable finance strategy for their business
• Evaluate their level of finance-readiness
• Develop and apply skills in pitching, selling, and negotiating in the context of raising finance.

The completion of the programme will allow the participants to enhance their financial literacy and strategic decision-making. They will gain a clear understanding of funding options and learn to assess their own finance-readiness, enabling them to identify and pursue appropriate funding strategies. The development of practical skills in pitching, selling, and negotiating will boost their confidence and effectiveness in securing funding. Overall, the programme can increase the likelihood of business growth and sustainability by equipping entrepreneurs with the tools and knowledge to navigate the complex finance landscape more successfully and to engage more persuasively with funders and stakeholders.

This programme will cover the following sessions:

Week 1: Financial Planning & Management 

Overview: Introduction to budgeting, cash flow, and key financial concepts.

Key Outcomes:

• Develop financial literacy and confidence in managing business finances.
• Create a basic budget and financial plan to support business decision-making.

Week 2: Understanding Core Funding Types 

Overview: Exploration of the main types of funding: grants, debt, and equity.

Key Outcomes:

• Understand the pros and cons of each funding type
• Identify which options best align with your business model and growth stage.

Week 3: Alternative Finance Mechanisms

Overview: Overview of non-traditional funding options, including government support, social impact funds, crowdfunding, and emerging platforms like blockchain.

Key Outcomes:

• Discover innovative financing routes beyond conventional methods
• Assess the suitability of alternative funding for your venture’s goals.

Week 4: Strategic Considerations.

Overview: Linking finance to business model strategy, with a focus on risk and accessibility.

Key Outcomes:

• Learn how to align your funding strategy with your business model
• Gain tools to evaluate funding risks and improve accessibility.

Week 5: Practical Implications.

Overview: A look at the operational aspects of financing—legal, tax, IP, and compliance.

Key Outcomes:

• Understand key legal and regulatory considerations in fundraising
• Learn to protect your intellectual property and plan for tax efficiency.

Week 6: Negotiation, Selling, and Pitching Practice.

Overview: Hands-on practice in presenting your business to funders and stakeholders.

Key Outcomes:

• Build confidence in pitching and negotiation
• Refine your value proposition and communicate it effectively to funders.

To get the most out of the experience, you are expected to:

• Attend the weekly 1.5-hour live online sessions
• Actively engage in discussions and interactive activities
• Complete follow-up tasks and suggested activities to reinforce your learning and enhance your skills
• Stay connected with your peers and the programme team to benefit from future events, updates, and development opportunities.

We will ensure that you receive:

• Tailored, practical knowledge relevant to your entrepreneurial journey
• Expert advice and personalised guidance
• A focused, time-efficient learning experience that allows you to apply insights and practise key skills
• Access to additional resources and materials to support continued independent learning
• A Certificate of Completion to support your professional development and recognition of your progress.