First Enterprise

Here’s a quick look at what’s been happening at First Enterprise this week 👇

We’ll share a new read exploring the journey from startup to scale-up – those in-between “awkward teenage years” of business, where growth brings both opportunity and challenge. If you’re navigating that stage right now, this one’s worth a look.

As Father’s Day is coming up, we’re also taking a moment to celebrate the dads, father figures and carers in our community – whether you’re running a business, supporting one, or doing both.

Out and about, our Investment Managers are attending East Midlands Tech Week, connecting with innovative businesses and partners across the region. If you’re there too, feel free to say hello!

We’ll also be in Birmingham this Thursday for the Business Growth Service Roadshow, sharing how we support businesses with access to finance and tailored guidance.

💬 If you’re attending any of these events or want to find out how we can support your business, drop us a message or get in touch.

🕵️‍♂️ Every great mystery starts with a clue.

For Adam Mustoe, the clue was the incredible response he received from the murder mystery nights he'd been running with his dad for years.

With an £8,000 Start Up Loan, Adam transformed that passion into Probing Productions – a business delivering interactive entertainment and team-building events across the UK.

The funding helped him invest in equipment, improve production quality, upgrade transport, and strengthen his website, giving the business the boost it needed to grow.

Read his inspiring story and find out how the right support can help turn an idea into a successful business.

👉 Link in the comments.

| |

This week at First Enterprise 👇

We’ve been sharing new insights — from exploring why women entrepreneurs may take longer to take business risks, to what the World Cup can teach us about running a business ⚽

Plus, our Investment Managers will be heading to the NACFB Commercial Finance Expo in Birmingham on 10 June — we’re looking forward to connecting with others across the industry.

If you’re attending, come say hello! 👋

What to look out for this week 👀

Keep an eye on our socials for:

✅ Our latest article on the types of insurance that could help SMEs manage everyday risks

👀 A new piece exploring the impact of the War in Iran on things like travel, fashion and food prices

🌈 A spotlight on Pride Month and how your business can show support

🌍 A nod to World Environment Day (5 June) and the importance of sustainable business practices

🏛️ Updates from the Maple Review launch at the Palace of Westminster, where our Deputy Director will be representing us

Make sure you’re following along so you don’t miss out ✨

| |

📈 Growth takes investment, tax deadlines approach, and May is anniversary time🎉

Today, our latest article is released: “Funding isn’t failure: Why smart businesses borrow to grow.”

Because despite what many business owners think, seeking finance isn’t a sign your business is struggling (often, it’s the exact opposite).

Smart SMEs use funding to create opportunities, improve cash flow, hire staff, invest in equipment, launch new ideas, and grow sustainably. 💡

We’re also giving a gentle-but-important reminder to SME owners that the P60 deadline lands on May 31st ⏰

If you employ staff, make sure your employees receive their P60 forms before the deadline to stay compliant and avoid unnecessary stress later down the line.

And on a much more celebratory note…we’re recognising SIX work anniversaries this month! 🥳

A huge thank you to:

🎉 Darshak
🎉 Vimple
🎉 James
🎉 Inderpal
🎉 Andy
🎉 Mahdi

Thank you all for your hard work, dedication, and the support you provide to businesses and communities across the UK every single day. 🙌

Finally, don’t forget about these fantastic upcoming opportunities to connect and learn:

☕ The East Midlands Chamber's Networking Breakfast at the Nottingham Playhouse takes place tomorrow (May 27th) from 9am to 11am. It's a brilliant opportunity to network with professionals, business owners, and finance experts.

💼 And NatWest’s Fund Your Business Your Way workshop in Oxford on June 3rd, helping SMEs explore the funding options available to support growth.

Whether you’re growing, planning, networking, or simply trying to survive your overflowing inbox this week…we’re here to help. 📩

| |

🚨 Funding opportunities, events, avoiding loan pitfalls…all in one post? Go on then.👀👇

This week, we’re looking back at a brilliant evening with Woman Who on the 8th of May — a community dedicated to supporting and championing female entrepreneurs across the UK.

At First Enterprise, empowering women in business goes far beyond simply offering finance. We look to offer guidance and ongoing support.

Access to funding can help female founders invest in equipment, hire staff, improve cash flow, launch new products, or finally take that business idea from “one day” to day one.💡

Yet, a supportive community matters too.

Events like Woman Who create spaces where founders can connect, share experiences, build confidence, and realise they’re not navigating business ownership alone. We’re proud to support initiatives that help women access both the funding and the community they deserve.🙌

Check out our article on the Women Who event, out this Tuesday.

We're also publishing a helpful new article covering 10 common mistakes people make when applying for a Business Loan this Thursday, because sometimes it’s the little things that can slow an application down unnecessarily.

We’re talking:

📄 Accidentally covering up important details on your ID in submitted scanned photos

🏠 An old address still showing on your driving licence or one that doesn't match your bank statements

💸 Unexplained transfers or transactions on bank statements that raise unnecessary red flags

📑 Missing documents or inconsistent information.

It might sound small, but details matter. Avoiding these mistakes can help keep your application moving smoothly.✅

A carefully crafted application is far more likely to progress through stages quickly, leading to you potentially getting your loan funds much sooner.

Last but not least, there are two upcoming events worth keeping firmly on your radar...👇

☕ The East Midlands Chamber Networking Breakfast at the Nottingham Playhouse on May 27th from 9am to 11am. It's free for registered members and a great opportunity to connect with fellow professionals, business owners, and finance experts.

💼 Plus, NatWest’s Fund Your Business Your Way workshop arrives in Oxford on June 3rd as part of their Funding Accelerator campaign, helping SMEs better understand the funding options available to them.

Whether you’re just getting started, preparing to grow, or figuring out your next move, we’re here to help you explore your options with straightforward, supportive guidance.

📩 Get in touch with the team today to see how we could support your business journey.

| | | |

New week. Fresh coffee. A diary full of ways to help your business grow. ☕

This week, we’re talking practical finance tips for SMEs, celebrating the brilliant women shaping our business community, and heading out to connect with entrepreneurs across Lincolnshire...

Here’s what’s coming up this week👇

📈 Today is the release of our latest article: "5 financial tools your business should have at its disposal" — a simple, jargon-free guide to the tools that can help SMEs stay organised, make smarter decisions, and sleep a little easier at night.

Read more: https://bit.ly/4u8Ruk8

🤝 Our Investment Manager, Seth Addo, will also be presenting at the Black Business Lincolnshire: Access to Finance Seminar, sharing insights on funding, growth, and the support available to local businesses. If you’re attending, do come and say hello.

💜 We’re also still smiling after Friday’s Women Who event, where around 100 people came together to celebrate and support female entrepreneurs. The energy in the room was incredible, and it reinforced something we care deeply about — making sure women business owners have access to the funding, support, and opportunities they deserve.

📺 And on Thursday, we’ll be releasing something a little different: "6 business management lessons from Friends. Because sometimes the best business advice comes from six people somehow affording spacious New York apartments on acting, waitressing, and chef wages.

For more business insights, events, and funding support, visit our website (first-enterprise.co.uk) and subscribe to our monthly newsletter to stay up to date with all the latest news.

| | |

From childhood dreams to helping others build theirs 💙

This Children’s Day, we’re celebrating the people behind First Enterprise - the team supporting small business owners, startups, and communities every day.

Our younger selves would be proud to see us helping ideas grow, backing ambition, and making a difference for businesses across the UK. 🌟

Because sometimes the dreams we had as kids grow into helping others achieve theirs.

Running a business sometimes feels like you’ve been strapped to a rocket 🚀

The pressure, the pace, the problem-solving, it all adds up. Yet, here’s the thing: astronauts don’t just rely on skill, they rely on their health too.

We’ve pulled together three simple lessons from NASA astronauts to help you stay energised, focused, and ready for whatever comes your way.

Less “Houston, we have a problem", more “we have lift off.”

Read more: https://bit.ly/4nlIypa

| | | |