First Enterprise

Here’s a quick look at what’s been happening at First Enterprise this week 👇

We’ll share a new read exploring the journey from startup to scale-up – those in-between “awkward teenage years” of business, where growth brings both opportunity and challenge. If you’re navigating that stage right now, this one’s worth a look.

As Father’s Day is coming up, we’re also taking a moment to celebrate the dads, father figures and carers in our community – whether you’re running a business, supporting one, or doing both.

Out and about, our Investment Managers are attending East Midlands Tech Week, connecting with innovative businesses and partners across the region. If you’re there too, feel free to say hello!

We’ll also be in Birmingham this Thursday for the Business Growth Service Roadshow, sharing how we support businesses with access to finance and tailored guidance.

💬 If you’re attending any of these events or want to find out how we can support your business, drop us a message or get in touch.

🕵️‍♂️ Every great mystery starts with a clue.

For Adam Mustoe, the clue was the incredible response he received from the murder mystery nights he'd been running with his dad for years.

With an £8,000 Start Up Loan, Adam transformed that passion into Probing Productions – a business delivering interactive entertainment and team-building events across the UK.

The funding helped him invest in equipment, improve production quality, upgrade transport, and strengthen his website, giving the business the boost it needed to grow.

Read his inspiring story and find out how the right support can help turn an idea into a successful business.

👉 Link in the comments.

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What to look out for this week 👀

Keep an eye on our socials for:

✅ Our latest article on the types of insurance that could help SMEs manage everyday risks

👀 A new piece exploring the impact of the War in Iran on things like travel, fashion and food prices

🌈 A spotlight on Pride Month and how your business can show support

🌍 A nod to World Environment Day (5 June) and the importance of sustainable business practices

🏛️ Updates from the Maple Review launch at the Palace of Westminster, where our Deputy Director will be representing us

Make sure you’re following along so you don’t miss out ✨

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New week. Fresh coffee. A diary full of ways to help your business grow. ☕

This week, we’re talking practical finance tips for SMEs, celebrating the brilliant women shaping our business community, and heading out to connect with entrepreneurs across Lincolnshire...

Here’s what’s coming up this week👇

📈 Today is the release of our latest article: "5 financial tools your business should have at its disposal" — a simple, jargon-free guide to the tools that can help SMEs stay organised, make smarter decisions, and sleep a little easier at night.

Read more: https://bit.ly/4u8Ruk8

🤝 Our Investment Manager, Seth Addo, will also be presenting at the Black Business Lincolnshire: Access to Finance Seminar, sharing insights on funding, growth, and the support available to local businesses. If you’re attending, do come and say hello.

💜 We’re also still smiling after Friday’s Women Who event, where around 100 people came together to celebrate and support female entrepreneurs. The energy in the room was incredible, and it reinforced something we care deeply about — making sure women business owners have access to the funding, support, and opportunities they deserve.

📺 And on Thursday, we’ll be releasing something a little different: "6 business management lessons from Friends. Because sometimes the best business advice comes from six people somehow affording spacious New York apartments on acting, waitressing, and chef wages.

For more business insights, events, and funding support, visit our website (first-enterprise.co.uk) and subscribe to our monthly newsletter to stay up to date with all the latest news.

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Running a business sometimes feels like you’ve been strapped to a rocket 🚀

The pressure, the pace, the problem-solving, it all adds up. Yet, here’s the thing: astronauts don’t just rely on skill, they rely on their health too.

We’ve pulled together three simple lessons from NASA astronauts to help you stay energised, focused, and ready for whatever comes your way.

Less “Houston, we have a problem", more “we have lift off.”

Read more: https://bit.ly/4nlIypa

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