Funding Festival Returns to Stoke-on-Trent
Staffordshire Funding Festival returns to Stoke-on-Trent, bringing together businesses, investors and funding experts in a bid to incubate growth and innovation across the county.
The largest event of its kind in the region, the Staffordshire Funding Festival 2026, has built on the success of the inaugural event last year, with more exhibitors and a packed agenda of presentations and panels.
Held in partnership with the Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire Growth Hub and the British Business Bank, the festival will be at BET365 Stadium on Thursday 5 February.
(Image: Rachel Wood speaking at the 2025 Funding Festival)
Sessions on offer throughout the day will include discussions with investors and high street banks as well as expert speakers offering advice on funding opportunities.
Businesses can also access information about the range of support available across the county.
Rachel Wood, Growth Hub Manager, at Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire Growth Hub said: “The Staffordshire Funding Festival 2026 is a key opportunity for businesses across Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire to make connections with potential suppliers, investors and grant funders.
“With a dynamic mix of debates and discussions as well as networking opportunities and an exhibitors’ hall, businesses and entrepreneurs can access funding and resources, make strategic connections and be inspired by success stories and expert advice.”
Speakers at the event will cover early stage investment, alternative funding types and traditional funding for businesses.
Tracy Sherratt, British Business Bank Senior Manager for the West Midlands will also be delivering a talk on available funding. She said: “We are pleased to be supporting the Staffordshire Funding Festival for the second year.
“By bringing together expertise and free insights, this event will be useful for all entrepreneurs who are looking at accessing the right kind of finance to help start up or grow their businesses.”
Independently managed, but 100% owned by the UK Government, the British Business Bank brings expertise and capital to the smaller business finance markets as part of a mission to drive sustainable growth and prosperity across the country.
