# Event Details - **Event Name**: Start Smart: Finance & Funding Foundations for Early-Stage Businesses - **Event Start and End Date**: Thu, 30 Apr, 2026 at 11:00 am – Thu, 30 Apr, 2026 at 12:30 pm (+01:00) - **Event Description**: A financial workshop for early-stage business owners delivered by MPA and Barclays Eagle Labs.About this EventThe Event:Getting the financial foundations right early can make the difference between momentum and constant firefighting. This practical workshop, delivered by MPA and Barclays Eagle Labs at Vulcan Works, is designed for early-stage founders - whether you’re pre-revenue, recently launched, or starting to grow.In the first half, we’ll cover the financial fundamentals every business owner needs to understand early on - from managing cashflow and making confident decisions, to avoiding the common mistakes that can become costly as you grow.In the second half, we’ll introduce the world of grant funding. You’ll learn where to look, what funders are really looking for, and how to position your business (whether you’re innovation-led or not) to access funding opportunities now or in the future.This is a practical, no-jargon session focused on clarity, confidence, and giving you the right foundations to build on.You’ll leave with:A clear understanding of how to manage money at the early stages of your businessThe key numbers you should be tracking from day oneInsight into how and when to pay yourself sustainablyA realistic view of grant funding and whether it’s right for your businessPractical steps to start preparing your business for future funding opportunitiesSession Structure: (60 mins)Welcome & context – 5 minsPart 1: Finance Foundations (Early-Stage) – 20–25 minsPart 2: Grant Funding Essentials – 20–25 minsQ&A – 10 mins12:00 - 12:30 Lunch (Provided by the event organisers)Meet the Speakers:Samantha Wildman- Samantha is a highly experienced business adviser and Group Client Director at MPA, where she also sits on the Board. She works closely with established and scaling businesses to strengthen financial control, improve visibility, and support sustainable growth. With over a decade of experience advising senior leaders across a range of sectors, Samantha brings a practical and commercially focused perspective to challenges around cashflow, funding, and managing growth without unnecessary risk.Talitha Heaton - Talitha leads growth and partnerships at MPA & EFM, working across marketing, sales, and strategic partner channels. She works closely with business owners, banks, and investors, connecting them with specialist teams across outsourced finance, innovation funding, tax, and accountancy. With a background in marketing and a strong commercial focus, she helps founders understand what is driving growth, what may be holding it back, and how to position their business for the next stage. She regularly works on grant funding and investor readiness, supporting founders to understand their options and take a more structured approach to funding and growth decisions.Parking:Please note, there is no onsite parking at Vulcan Works. The nearest car parks are St.Johns multistorey or Morrisons supermarket. - **Event URL**: https://allevents.in/northampton/start-smart-finance-and-funding-foundations-for-early-stage-businesses/100001987277480440 - **Event Categories**: Workshops - **Interested Audience**: - total_interested_count: 0 ## Ticket Details - **Ticket Price Range**: min: 0, max: 0, currency: GBP ## Event venue details - **city**: Northampton - **state**: EN - **country**: United Kingdom - **location**: Vulcan Works - Northampton - **lat**: 52.23584959999999 - **long**: -0.8944494 - **full address**: Vulcan Works - Northampton, 34-38 Guildhall Rd, Northampton, United Kingdom ## Event gallery - **Alt text**: Start Smart: Finance & Funding Foundations for Early-Stage Businesses - **Image URL**: https://cdn-az.allevents.in/events8/banners/54ad79324a3362999e47e86ddf949cad04140301c59befed7ea549e618d0fced-rimg-w1200-h600-dcd6dbd9-gmir.jpg?v=1776038245 ## FAQs - **Q**: When and where is Start Smart: Finance & Funding Foundations for Early-Stage Businesses being held? - **A:** Start Smart: Finance & Funding Foundations for Early-Stage Businesses takes place on Thu, 30 Apr, 2026 at 11:00 am to Thu, 30 Apr, 2026 at 12:30 pm at Vulcan Works - Northampton, 34-38 Guildhall Rd, Northampton, United Kingdom. - **Q**: Who is organizing Start Smart: Finance & Funding Foundations for Early-Stage Businesses? - **A:** Start Smart: Finance & Funding Foundations for Early-Stage Businesses is organized by Barclays Eagle Lab - Cranfield. - **Q**: Who is this event for? Is it right for me? - **A:** Start Smart: Finance & Funding Foundations for Early-Stage Businesses is ideal for curious learners, students, and skill-builders looking to gain hands-on knowledge and practical expertise in a focused, interactive setting. Whether you're a first-time attendee or a longtime enthusiast in Northampton, this event is thoughtfully curated to deliver a standout experience worth every moment. 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