How to fund your business: a guide to capital for SMEs
Grow London Local
Posted: Mon 11th May 2026
Access to capital is a defining factor in whether a business grows, stagnates or fails.
In this session, Bahareh Khezr shares a structured view of current funding for SMEs, from traditional debt to institutional capital and emerging models, drawing on two decades of experience across financial services, technology and investment.
Rather than simply listing options, the session focuses on how capital works in practice – what different funding sources expect, how they assess risk and how founders can position themselves effectively.
By attending, you'll gain a clearer understanding of how to navigate funding decisions strategically and make sure the capital you seek supports your business with its long-term outcomes.
Topics covered in this session
How lenders and investors evaluate opportunities, risk and return.
Learn how to align funding choices with your business model and strategy for growth.
How to position your business for funding.
About the speaker
Bahareh is the founder of BrightNorth Venture, a venture advisory and growth consulting firm working at the intersection of capital, technology and scaling businesses.
She advises startups and SMEs on raising capital, positioning themselves for investment and strategic growth, and works closely with venture capital firms and family offices across the UK and Europe.
With over 20 years of experience across financial services, technology and business development, Bahareh brings both an operator and investor perspective to funding and growth.
She's also an active mentor on the UK government's Help to Grow: Management Course.
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