Business planning & financial forecasting: 2 day workshop

Understanding how to effectively plan your business and forecast finances is vital for securing funding, managing risk and making strategic decisions.

This two-day in-person workshop is designed for early-stage businesses and entrepreneurs who want to strengthen their financial knowledge, get investment-ready and develop a plan for sustainable growth.

Delivered by experienced Business Finance Specialists, the workshop will walk you through the process of identifying the most suitable sources of finance for your business, preparing detailed financial forecasts and building a strong business plan that supports funding applications. You’ll also explore the wider finance and funding landscape, including grants and other support available in the West Midlands.

What you’ll gain:

• A solid understanding of financial forecasting, including pricing, profit and loss and cash flow
• A clear picture of the funding landscape: from loans to grants and alternative finance
• A realistic, actionable business plan tailored for finance applications
• The confidence to approach lenders and investors with clarity and preparation

This workshop is ideal for entrepreneurs, start-ups and early-stage business owners in the West Midlands who are preparing for growth or seeking funding. No prior financial expertise is required.

2-Day Workshop Agenda

Day 1: Financial Forecasting Foundations, Wednesday 11 June 9am – 3.30pm.
09:00 – Arrival and refreshments
09:30 – Welcome and workshop introduction
10:00 – Session 1: Financial forecasting basics – understanding business costs and pricing strategies
11:00 – Session 2: Building your profit and loss forecast – creating realistic sales and expense projections
12:30 – Networking lunch (provided)
13:15 – Session 3: Cash flow forecasting – tracking your inflows and outflows to manage working capital
15:30 – Close and Q&A

Day 2: Accessing Finance and Building a Business Plan, Thursday 12 June 9am – 3.30pm.
09:00 – Registration and refreshments
09:30 – Recap and setting day 2 objectives
10:00 – Session 4: Understanding the finance landscape – loans, equity, and alternative finance
11:15 – Session 5: Grant funding – what’s available and how to access it
12:00 – Session 6: Creating your finance shopping list – knowing what your business needs
12:30 – Lunch (provided)
13:15 – Session 7: Writing a business plan for finance – what to include, how to position your business, and tips for success
15:30 – Final Q&A and close

This workshop is fully funded by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund and delivered by Business Growth West Midlands. Spaces are limited and fill quickly, so we recommend registering early to avoid disappointment.