Funding & support

There are various channels where small business can seek funding. Some will be low-interest loan options others maybe matched funding grants; sometimes you may find a fully-funded grant.

Depending on your age, industry sector, geography and whether you are a start-up or established business - there will be different options available. Grantfinder is a useful site to search for various criteria to find out eligibility for grants and other sources of funding.

Take a look at the following organisations that may be able to help:

Local Enterprise Partnerships (LEP)

A LEP is a locally-owned partnership between local authorities and businesses. A LEP plays a central role in deciding local economic priorities and undertaking activities to drive economic growth and create local jobs. They typically offer support to help businesses grow - through funding, workshops or free advice.

SEMLEP - a LEP covering the South East Midlands.
LLEP - a LEP for Leicestershire
CWLEP - a LEP for Coventry & Warwickshire

Digital Future First

Business & IP Centre Northamptonshire

The Business & IP Centre Northamptonshire supports entrepreneurs, inventors and small businesses from that first spark of inspiration to successfully launching and developing a business. We do this by running free workshops and providing information and advice sessions on self-employment and intellectual property. Download the BIPC services brochure.

Prince's Trust (for 18-30 year olds)

Shell Livewire (for start-ups, 16-30 year olds)

University of Northampton Business Support

Funding Circle

Gov.UK

Start-Up Loans (includes free mentor for 12 months)

<p>I have been a member of The Business Community for a number of years now. The <strong>unique mix of friendly banter</strong> with <strong>professional format and resources</strong> has been <strong>invaluable for my own business growth</strong>. I have made friendships, referred people and grown my client base thanks to The Business Community. I like there is <strong>no lockout, the meetings are a manageable size and no yearly contract</strong>.</p>

I have been a member of The Business Community for a number of years now. The unique mix of friendly banter with professional format and resources has been invaluable for my own business growth. I have made friendships, referred people and grown my client base thanks to The Business Community. I like there is no lockout, the meetings are a manageable size and no yearly contract.

Marie-Louise O'Neill - Lovely Evolution

<p><strong>Friendly atmosphere</strong> - people don't take themselves too seriously, there are laughs and jokes mixed in with a genuine sense that everybody is looking out for each other. <strong>Good structure to the meetings</strong> - they are <strong>not too formal or overly casual</strong> and a great place to pick up tips (not always business-related). Free courses for members - I have been on several courses put on by other members and <strong>always come away having learnt something useful</strong>.</p>

Friendly atmosphere - people don't take themselves too seriously, there are laughs and jokes mixed in with a genuine sense that everybody is looking out for each other. Good structure to the meetings - they are not too formal or overly casual and a great place to pick up tips (not always business-related). Free courses for members - I have been on several courses put on by other members and always come away having learnt something useful.

Martin Beckley - The Creative Astronaut

<p>Buscomm and the surrounding support and structure is an <strong>extremely valuable resource</strong> and method of finding new business. The various <strong>meetings are well structured</strong> and allow people to effectively network and meet new business contacts. I would definitely recommend BusComm to any small or medium sized businesses <strong>looking to find more work</strong>.</p>

Buscomm and the surrounding support and structure is an extremely valuable resource and method of finding new business. The various meetings are well structured and allow people to effectively network and meet new business contacts. I would definitely recommend BusComm to any small or medium sized businesses looking to find more work.

Phil Barnett - PJB Photography

<p>I started my own HR business about 5 years ago and have been a member of The Business Community for almost the same length of time. Not only have I <strong>gained business</strong> from networking with the group but I've also found <strong>like-minded and supportive business owners</strong> who are always willing to listen and offer their advice. It is <strong>great value for money</strong> and I'd highly recommend giving it a go.</p>

I started my own HR business about 5 years ago and have been a member of The Business Community for almost the same length of time. Not only have I gained business from networking with the group but I've also found like-minded and supportive business owners who are always willing to listen and offer their advice. It is great value for money and I'd highly recommend giving it a go.

Sue Pardy - face2faceHR