Navigating alternative financing options for scale-ups
Scaling up a business takes more than a good idea—it requires strategic moves, informed decisions, and the right financial support. While traditional funding methods such as bank loans and government grants are essential, the landscape of business growth has evolved. Alternative financing solutions have emerged, offering scale-up entrepreneurs more tailored, flexible ways to access the capital they need. The Festival of Entrepreneurs, taking place at the NEC on 8-9 October 2025, is the place where forward-thinking entrepreneurs, industry leaders, and financial service providers come together to share insights, explore innovative solutions, and build a community that thrives on shared knowledge and opportunity.
Expanding on traditional funding avenues
Traditional bank loans remain a cornerstone of business finance, offering structured support and reliability. However, we understand that scale-up entrepreneurs are constantly looking for ways to enhance and diversify their financial strategies. At the Festival of Entrepreneurs, we’ll be discussing how traditional and alternative financing can complement each other to create robust funding strategies.
Our event will host thought leaders who can speak to both the tried-and-true approaches of conventional banking and the advantages of newer financial products. Whether it’s understanding how to leverage existing bank relationships or exploring new partnerships, the festival is a hub for insights into making these strategies work in concert.
Venture capital: a partner in growth
Venture capital (VC) is a path that can supercharge a scale-up’s journey. More than just financial support, VC funding often comes with strategic mentorship, industry connections, and growth guidance. At the Festival of Entrepreneurs, some of the most successful founders and venture capitalists will share their experiences, highlighting what makes a business stand out to potential investors and how to cultivate lasting, productive relationships with them.
Expect discussions that go beyond securing funding to cover how VCs can act as partners in scale, providing resources that extend well beyond financial investment. This is an opportunity to understand how to align your growth ambitions with the right kind of support.
Crowdfunding: building a community around your brand
One of the most exciting aspects of modern financing is crowdfunding. It blends raising capital with building a loyal base of customers who are also advocates for your brand. At the Festival of Entrepreneurs, attendees will learn how to harness the power of the crowd to fuel their growth. Crowdfunding experts and platform representatives will be on hand to guide you through the nuances of launching and managing a successful campaign.
Entrepreneurs will explore how to craft compelling narratives that engage potential backers and maintain enthusiasm long after the funding goal is reached. Crowdfunding is not just about the funds; it’s about creating a movement that supports your vision and fuels organic growth.
Revenue-based financing: flexible and aligned with growth
Revenue-based financing has gained traction as an alternative that allows businesses to maintain control while accessing the funds they need. This model, where repayments flex based on revenue, provides the agility that many scale-up entrepreneurs crave. At the festival, workshops led by financial experts will delve into how this form of funding can be structured to support growth without the traditional pressures of fixed loan repayments.
Participants will come away understanding how to strategically integrate revenue-based financing into their broader financial plans, making it easier to scale during high seasons and manage cash flow during slower periods.
The role of exhibitors and sponsors: providing the tools and expertise for growth
The Festival of Entrepreneurs is not just a gathering; it’s a marketplace of ideas and solutions. Our exhibitors and sponsors, which include financial institutions, tech innovators, and consultancy firms, are on the front lines of supporting scale-up success. They bring with them tools, services, and expertise that can give entrepreneurs a competitive edge.
Attendees will have the opportunity to engage with exhibitors showcasing platforms that simplify financial management, improve cash flow visibility, and streamline fundraising processes. These providers are here to help entrepreneurs navigate the complex landscape of business growth with confidence.
Why alternative financing is vital for scale-ups
The modern scale-up journey requires agility and responsiveness to market conditions, and alternative financing is tailored to these needs. While traditional funding has its place, alternative options offer pathways that align more closely with the dynamic nature of growing a business. Whether it’s securing venture capital to expand into new markets, launching a crowdfunding campaign to engage a community, or using revenue-based financing to scale with confidence, having a diverse financing toolkit is essential.
At the Festival of Entrepreneurs, the aim is to equip attendees with the knowledge to evaluate these options, weigh their pros and cons, and understand how they can be integrated into a comprehensive growth strategy. These sessions will be interactive, ensuring that entrepreneurs leave with actionable insights they can apply immediately.
Connecting with like-minded entrepreneurs and experts
We believe that one of the greatest accelerators of growth is learning from those who have successfully scaled before. Throughout the event, founders will be able to network with peers, exchange stories, and build relationships with both service providers and strategic partners.
This event is more than just a conference; it’s where entrepreneurs come to forge connections that inspire and catalyse growth. Whether through panel discussions, workshops, or curated networking sessions, the festival is designed to spark conversations that lead to opportunities.
Take part
The Festival of Entrepreneurs is where knowledge meets action and where relationships transform into partnerships that drive business success. If you’re ready to explore alternative financing options, discover services and tools that support your scale-up journey, and become part of a community that shares your entrepreneurial spirit, join us at the NEC on 14-15 May 2025. Your next stage of growth could start with the knowledge and connections you gain here.