Applications are now open for the Eagle Labs Funding Readiness Programme, a free 10-week online program designed to help UK-based founders understand their funding options and prepare to finance business growth. Powered by Barclays Eagle Labs and delivered by Capital Enterprise, the program provides practical guidance on fundraising strategy, investor expectations, pitching and different sources of business finance.
Program Focus
The program aims to demystify the funding process and help founders identify the financing routes that are most appropriate for their businesses.
Online sessions will cover:
• Grant funding
• Crowdfunding
• Equity investment
• Debt funding
• Alternative methods of funding a business
Participants will learn how different funding routes work, what funders and investors look for, and how to develop a clearer strategy for raising capital.
Program Format
The Funding Readiness Programme is delivered over 10 weeks through online sessions. Participants should expect to dedicate approximately three hours per week to program activities.
The program is designed to be practical and interactive, providing founders with opportunities to ask questions, learn from funding specialists and connect with other entrepreneurs preparing to raise capital. The current cohort begins with a welcome session on 14 September 2026, followed by the first program session on 18 September 2026.
Program Benefits
By participating, founders can:
• Improve their understanding of the UK funding landscape
• Explore grants, crowdfunding, equity, debt and alternative finance
• Develop a structured fundraising strategy
• Understand what investors expect from prospective portfolio companies
• Strengthen their investment pitch and fundraising materials
• Learn how to prepare a compelling grant application
• Understand how to plan and deliver a crowdfunding campaign
• Connect with experienced mentors and other UK founders
• Access online educational content and continued Eagle Labs support
Selected businesses may also receive tailored one-to-one investor-readiness support to help them shape and present a compelling pitch to prospective investors.
Applicant Eligibility
The program is intended for founders who:
• Have developed a minimum viable product
• Are ready to bring their product to market or have already entered the market
• Plan to explore funding within the next 6 to 18 months
• Are open to considering grants, crowdfunding, equity, debt or alternative funding routes
• Can commit sufficient time to participate in the program sessions
Applicants do not need to have selected a specific funding route before applying. However, they should be willing to explore at least one available financing option.
Business Requirements
To be eligible, the applicant’s business must:
• Be registered in the United Kingdom
• Be at least 12 months old
• Use digital technology or innovation in its operations, product, service or value proposition
• Have developed an MVP and reached, or be approaching, market readiness
The opportunity is sector agnostic, although participating companies are expected to demonstrate a technology- or innovation-driven element within their business.
Funding and Investment Considerations
The program provides training, mentoring and fundraising-readiness support rather than a guaranteed grant or investment award. Participants remain responsible for identifying suitable funding opportunities, approaching funders or investors and converting those conversations into successful financing outcomes.
Application Details
• Application Deadline: 31 August 2026
• Successful Applicants Notified: 3 September 2026
• Welcome Session: 14 September 2026
• First Program Session: 18 September 2026
• Program Duration: 10 weeks
• Delivery Format: Online
• Participation Cost: Free
The Eagle Labs Funding Readiness Programme offers UK founders an opportunity to improve their fundraising knowledge, evaluate different financing options and build the confidence and materials needed to engage with funders and investors. Eligible founders are encouraged to review the official program information and submit their applications before the deadline.