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><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>The Business Community offers a <strong>wide range of profession</strong>s many of whom I have got to know and trust over the years. The meetings are <strong>relaxed yet informative</strong>, enabling you to 'tap into' the knowledge and experience of fellow members. I would certainly recommend The Business Community; I would say that it is <strong>probably the best network group</strong> that I have ever attended.</p>

The Business Community offers a wide range of professions many of whom I have got to know and trust over the years. The meetings are relaxed yet informative, enabling you to 'tap into' the knowledge and experience of fellow members. I would certainly recommend The Business Community; I would say that it is probably the best network group that I have ever attended.

Roger Marlow - Obsidian Financial

<p>1 year ago I made the decision that I needed to start Business Networking. Scary stuff! Or so I thought. Walking into the meeting room for my first meeting was quite frankly, terrifying. <strong>I really shouldn’t have worried</strong>. I was immediately taken under the wing of one of the more experienced networkers. I can count a <strong>number of BusComm members as clients</strong>, and <strong>even more who have passed work my way</strong>. It’s important to note that there is absolutely <strong>no pressure to refer</strong> – so you truly know it’s on merit. It’s a<strong> fabulous community</strong>.</p>

1 year ago I made the decision that I needed to start Business Networking. Scary stuff! Or so I thought. Walking into the meeting room for my first meeting was quite frankly, terrifying. I really shouldn’t have worried. I was immediately taken under the wing of one of the more experienced networkers. I can count a number of BusComm members as clients, and even more who have passed work my way. It’s important to note that there is absolutely no pressure to refer – so you truly know it’s on merit. It’s a fabulous community.

Hayley White - VirtuHR

<p><strong>Excellent networking group</strong> where I've met some really nice people. It has directly <strong>helped me grow</strong> my gym and I have numerous clients who go there. The group has the <strong>right balance</strong> between being <strong>friendly</strong> and actually <strong>help you grow your sales/business</strong>. I'd highly recommend going.</p>

Excellent networking group where I've met some really nice people. It has directly helped me grow my gym and I have numerous clients who go there. The group has the right balance between being friendly and actually help you grow your sales/business. I'd highly recommend going.

Darren Pyefinch - Vibrant Fit