Understanding Grants, Loans and Alternative Funding Options

Welcome to the second webinar in the series Fund Her Future: A Female Founder's Guide to Growth, brought to you by the British Business Bank and Breakthrough Labs. The series is for female founders who are exploring funding options to grow their businesses. The three webinars take founders through the decision-making process, from determining whether you need external funding, to exploring non-dilutive funding options, to equity investment.

This webinar, Understanding Grants, Loans and Alternative Funding Options, helps female founders understand the options available to them if they do not want to give away equity in their businesses.

Our panel of experts will cover loans, debt and other non-dilutive finance options, and grants available to female founders in the UK. The panel includes:

Lisa Young, Let's Do Business Finance: Lisa joined Let’s Do Business Finance in 2019 after a successful career with NatWest/RBS as a business relationship manager. In 2018 she set up her own business as a business coach to work with owners in her home county of Kent. Now in her role as a Business Lending Manager, she helps small businesses obtain finance via business loans – supporting them through their application process before completing her assessment. Lisa also gets involved with building relationships with business partners such as banks, accountants and finance brokers to be able to offer even more services to the future clients of Let’s Do Business Finance.

Sharon Cook, Choice Business Loans: With over 25 years of experience working alongside business owners, I’ve had the privilege of learning firsthand what truly drives success. At Choice Business Loans, I’m passionate about empowering business owners—particularly women—to access the funding they need with confidence. Finance shouldn’t be a barrier to success, and I take pride in simplifying the process, cutting through the jargon, and finding the best solutions tailored to each business. Beyond finance, I believe in the power of connection. Over the years, I’ve cultivated a trusted network of professionals, ready to support my clients beyond just funding. Helping others grow—whether through financial support or meaningful introductions—is at the heart of what I do.

Nicola Wiley, Innovate UK Business Growth: Nicola has over 20 years’ experience in business support, having managed several UK Government contracts for Biotechnology, Creative & Digital, Food & Drink Industry as well as helping companies access finance. During Nicola’s career she managed the Grant for Business Investment (GBI) delivery in Yorkshire & the Humber and therefore brings a wealth of knowledge on how to successfully apply for capital and revenue grant funding. Nicola has supported companies within the South-East of England to access finance for start-up and growth investment, helping companies access the Invest4 grant and Solent growth grant.

The panel will be moderated by Dr Kristen Weatherby, founder of the Breakthrough Labs community and accelerator for female founders.

There will be time for Q&A at the end

NOTE: This event is for female-identifying founders.