The free workshops from The Enterprise Investment Scheme Association (EISA) are called Ready, Steady, Grow and the first will be in Liverpool on 26 September. This will be followed by further workshops in Birmingham, Manchester, Edinburgh, Belfast, Bristol and Leeds during October and November. EISA is run by former Financial Planner Mark Brownridge.

Ready, Steady, Grow will include seminar sessions, Q&As and panel discussions which will cover the following topics:

• External funding options.
• Tips from successful investors.
• The political and regulatory environment for small businesses and investors.
• Coverage of the Enterprise Investment Scheme and Seed Enterprise Investment Scheme.

During these events, investors will be able to learn more about different ways of investing in small businesses, receive tips and guidance on what to look for in a potential investment, and meet companies seeking investment.

The workshops will also be open to entrepreneurs and business owners, who will be able to receive information and advice about growing and funding a business.

EISA director general and former Financial Planner, Mark Brownridge said: “Ready, Steady, Grow! is about empowering the SME ecosystem of entrepreneurs, investors and professional service providers to do all the they can to help businesses across the UK to reach their true potential by working together to overcome barriers to growth.

“These barriers include a perceived lack of access to financing, which forms an important part of the Ready, Steady, Grow! agenda, but we’ll also be tackling many other challenges faced by SMEs and entrepreneurs as they try to grow their businesses.”

Mr Brownridge said he hoped at least 40 Financial Planners would attend as part of a total audience of several hundred including other types of financial adviser, investors, business people and business experts.

Anyone wishing to attend the workshop should visit the EISA’s website: eisa.org.uk/readysteadygrow.