A MAJOR event is being staged to showcase the funding available to help businesses across the district grow.

The free gathering is being organised by Bradford Economic Partnership, in conjunction with the council.

A variety of funding options will be outlined, aimed at boosting expansion potential for new and established businesses.

There will be several presentations, and an opportunity for networking and meeting experts who work in a range of finance areas.

Business advisors from Bradford Council will also be on hand to provide information and answer questions about the support on offer through Invest in Bradford.

The event – which takes place in the Hockney Room at Margaret McMillan Tower, Princes Way, Bradford, on Wednesday, January 30, between 7.30am and 9.30am – will be opened by council leader, Councillor Susan Hinchcliffe.

A presentation will follow from Jeremy Meadowcroft, of the Business Enterprise Fund, which provides loans to small and medium-sized enterprises to help them grow in situations where other lenders can’t fully assist.

Also addressing the event will be Ravinder Panesar, from Ad:Venture. It provides free development support and guidance for businesses less than three years old, with growth potential.

An overview of support programmes available in the Leeds City Region – including Keighley – will be given by Melissa Liburd, a business growth advisor with the region's Local Enterprise Partnership.

And Councillor Alex Ross-Shaw, Bradford Council's executive member for regeneration, planning and transport, will close the session by highlighting some key aspects of the district's regeneration for the year ahead.

He says the event could give businesses a huge boost.

"There are lots of different options available for businesses from across the whole of the district," he added.

"This free event aims to give people the opportunity to find out about the funding support available, the eligibility criteria and the processes to obtain finance, so that they can grow and thrive. And it forms part of the Bradford Economic Partnership’s role in directing collaborative actions to shape future growth.

"The event is also in line with our strategy focused on unlocking the growth potential of both new business start-ups and established businesses, to deliver sustainable growth that everyone can contribute to and benefit from."

For further information about the event, call 01274 437727 or e-mail info@investinbradford.com.

Tickets are available at eventbrite.co.uk/e/invest-in-bradford-enterprise-network-event-finance-funding-grants-tickets-53852334783?aff=ebdssbdestsearch.