Why the Midlands is ideal for founders
Unmatched business growth:
- The Midland’s central location provides start-ups with easy access to both the North and South markets.
- The region also boasts a growing tech ecosystem, strong talent pool and a great support infrastructure.
Midlands Engine Investment Fund (MEIF): Driving success
- The Midlands Engine Investment Fund (MEIF) is a collaboration between the British Business Bank and ten Local Enterprise Partnerships (LEPs). It covers the West Midlands and East and South East Midlands,offering:
- Debt finance: Supporting growth through larger funding options.
- Equity finance: Enabling companies to scale through strategic investment.
MEIF II - Equity Finance East and South East Midlands
Supporting innovative enterprises within the East Midlands, equity finance is available of up to £5million. Visit Mercia Ventures to find out more and apply.
MEIF II - Equity Finance West Midlands
Available to transformative businesses within the West Midlands, equity finance is available of up to £5million. Visit Mercia Ventures to find out more and apply.
MEIF II - Debt Finance West Midlands
Businesses in the West Midlands that can demonstrate growth potential are able to secure loans from £100,000 right up to £2million with MEIF II Debt Finance. Find out more and apply here.
Mercia Ventures awarded MEIF II – East and South East Midlands
The Midlands Engine Investment Fund (MEIF) II is a collaboration between the British Business Bank and ten Local Enterprise Partnerships (LEPs) in the West Midlands and East and South East Midlands.
MEIF provides commercially focussed finance through Small Business Loans, Debt Finance, Proof of concept and Equity Finance funds. Since launching in 2017, MEIF has invested over £400m of direct and private sector co-investment to growing companies across the Midlands.
Meet the team that champion the Midland's founders
At the heart of the Midland’s entrepreneurial ecosystem is a dedicated team of experts supporting businesses through every stage of their journey. From investment directors to managing directors, our team is here to ensure your success.
Our team
Funding, loans and grants for start-ups
Accessing the right funding is critical to any founder’s journey. In the Midlands, there are a wealth of grants, loans and funding opportunities designed to:
- Manage cashflow during early-stage growth.
- Help founders build skilled teams.
- Support innovation and business development.
Explore the options:
- Government grants: Non-repayable funds for eligible projects.
- Start up loans: Low-interest loans to help kickstart your business.
- Private investment funds: Strategic funding with mentorship opportunities.
Accelerators, incubators and other support
From providing a working space to connecting you to investors, accelerators and incubators offer a plethora of support for startups and early-stage businesses. In return, they tend to ask for an equity stake in your business.
Success stories
See all postsReady to launch or scale your business?
The North West offers everything you need to succeed: an unrivalled network of support, substantial funding opportunities and a collaborative entrepreneurial spirit. Start your journey today and be part of the region’s incredible growth story.