Belfast set to boost business investment as EIS brings together key investors and start-ups

The Enterprise Investment Scheme Association (EISA), representing 420 advisers, investors and growth businesses, will bring key professionals together to drive up investment in fast growth businesses in the Belfast region at their “Ready, Steady Grow!” event.

Taking place in Belfast on the 19th of October at the KPMG offices, The Soloist Building, 1 Lanyon Place, it will be the 9th of a series of 10 events being run nationally across the UK. The free-to-attend event brings together investors, entrepreneurs, and advisers to hear insights from SME industry experts, and to learn about funding opportunities.

The “Ready, Steady, Grow!” series was created by EISA with the aim of helping founders, investors, and advisers better understand and engage with the SEIS (Seed Enterprise Investment Scheme) and the EIS (Enterprise Investment Scheme). Both are government initiatives encouraging private investment in early stage, fast growth businesses.

Belfast is a growing hub of talent including several exciting university spin-outs, and the event will offer support to entrepreneurs and investors alike, ensuring they have the necessary information to provide and secure the vital investments that will see Belfast continuing to build on its growth agenda.

“Ready, Steady, Grow!” events consist of two parts: a technical session which earns CPD points, and a networking reception. During the technical session, expert speakers provide insights into what investors are looking for, investment trends and entrepreneurial success stories. The networking reception offers participants the opportunity to connect with experienced investors, industry experts, and entrepreneurs, creating avenues for new investment and facilitating invaluable connections.

The programme will be chaired by Bronagh Duggan of Sapphire and include presentations from Susan McKane from the British Business Bank, Harriet Porter from KPMG and Adam Lawrence from RW Blears, followed by a panel session including experts from Octopus Ventures and Deepbridge Capital.

Taking business owners through the opportunities for funding their businesses through EIS investment will be Gary Davidson, Investment Lead at Ormeau Baths.

Christiana Stewart-Lockhart, Director General of the EISA commented, “Belfast has some great start-ups including the 2023 EISA award winner, GenoMe Diagnostics. The “Ready, Steady, Grow!” event offers a terrific opportunity for entrepreneurs to learn more about sources of funding and securing investment as well as building connections through networking.”