Forget being cash strapped and get bootstrapping - this is just one of the strategies that fast growing early-stage business should consider before looking for external funding, especially in the current straitened climate. Both financial and environmental challenges will be tackled at the Ninth Cambridge Enterprise Conference on 17^th September at Churchill College.

The conference - ‘Put a Tiger in Your Tank?' - is coordinated by the St John's Innovation Centre, one of Europe's first incubator centres for early-stage businesses. The Centre was founded in 1987, when the need for practical help to support innovation was recognised.

"Even in adversity, true innovators will find an opportunity," comments conference chair Walter Herriot, long-standing director of St John's Innovation Centre. "The credit crunch and current environmental challenges mean that young businesses need to act responsibly, get creative with their business models, and get smart with resources."

The conference provides positive messages in a time of difficulty, by bringing together an impressive panel of experts including entrepreneurs, academics, advisors and policy-makers to deliver insights and information aimed at helping companies become a ‘roaring success'.

The key-note speaker is Professor Sir David King, Director of the Smith School of Enterprise and the Environment at Oxford University and former government science advisor. He is ideally placed to discuss opportunities arising for businesses from the current environmental crisis, and will consider how climate change and the need for a sustainable future can provide a source of inspiration for entrepreneurs.

"Speakers will also provide advice on efficient business practices," says Walter Herriot. "For instance, if companies want to squeeze every drop of value out of their funding, they need skilled, experienced investors who can bring more than just money. Serial entrepreneur Sherry Coutu will address this topic at the conference.

"Staff are another crucial resource, but company culture is an often overlooked area. Simon Galbraith believes that it was key to his success, and he will be telling us how it helped his business to become Cambridge's fastest growing technology company. There are lots of positive messages for business, even in the current difficult circumstances, and the line-up of excellent speakers promises to deliver real benefits to delegates."

Walter is known with affection and gratitude by several generations of entrepreneurs. He will be giving the closing address, sharing insights gained from over 40 years of helping small businesses to succeed.

Other speakers will include: Rebecca Harding, a leading expert on enterprise; VC Eddie Anderson, explaining the secrets of bootstrapping; Martin Brennan, entrepreneur and inventor of the JB7 digital juke-box, telling of his personal route to success; and Patent Attorney Peter Finnie, who will look at how small companies can use intellectual property as a strategic asset.

Alongside the conference will be the ‘Tigers of Tomorrow' technology press event where entrepreneurs and early-stage companies will be given the opportunity to demonstrate their technology or product to conference delegates and members of the media. For more details please contact Helen Goldrein at Holdsworth Associates on 01954 202789 or email Helen@holdsworth-associates.co.uk

The 9^th Cambridge Enterprise Conference is a joint initiative of St John's Innovation Centre, the Greater Cambridge Partnership and NW Brown Group Ltd. It is sponsored by Peters Elworthy and Moore (PEM) and Gill Jennings & Every LLP, and supported by Business Link East, the East of England Development Agency and NESTA.

Further details of the conference are available on http://www.cambridgeenterpriseconference.co.uk/