Making life easier for small businesses, with Emma Jones the UK's Small Business Commissioner.

What support is actually available to help small businesses start, grow and scale in the UK? In this insightful panel discussion from Elite Business Live 2026, Emma Jones, the UK’s Small Business Commissioner, brings together experts from government, finance, business support and entrepreneurship to explore how founders can access the funding, advice, networks and expertise they need to grow. The panel looks beyond simply finding finance to explore the wider support ecosystem available to UK entrepreneurs, from Growth Hubs and Start Up Loans to mentoring, leadership development and government-backed business programmes. You’ll hear practical insights on: • How Growth Hubs can connect businesses with funding, mentors, universities and specialist support • The finance and guidance available through the British Business Bank’s Start Up Loans programme • Why understanding the problem your business solves is critical before seeking funding • How Help to Grow: Management can support business owners and develop leadership skills • The impact of late payments on SMEs and the role of the Fair Payment Code • How government initiatives aim to improve productivity and help more UK businesses scale • Why finding the right people, advice and support at the right time can transform a business Featuring insights from Emma Jones, Richard Jeffery of The Growth Company, Tracey Kilty of Start Up Loans at the British Business Bank, entrepreneur Eunice Mwale of Lovehands Care Services, and Paula Crofts from the Department for Business and Trade. The key message? Growing a business doesn’t have to be a solo journey. The funding, expertise and opportunities you need may already exist. The challenge is knowing where to find them. Watch the full discussion to discover where small businesses can turn for practical support and how accessing the right help at the right moment can make the journey from starting up to scaling up much easier. #SmallBusiness #Entrepreneurship #BusinessGrowth #SmallBusinessUK #BusinessFunding #StartUpLoans #EliteBusinessLive #BusinessSupport #Entrepreneurs #sme  https://bit.ly/m/elitebusiness