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>The Business Community is so <strong>much more than just a networking group</strong>, while the networking meetings are <strong>energising and fun</strong>, you get <strong>genuine community and support</strong> that I haven't experienced anywhere else. It's also <strong>brilliant value for money</strong>, reasonably price with <strong>extras that are very generous</strong>. I'd highly recommend.</p>

The Business Community is so much more than just a networking group, while the networking meetings are energising and fun, you get genuine community and support that I haven't experienced anywhere else. It's also brilliant value for money, reasonably price with extras that are very generous. I'd highly recommend.

Jessica Shailes - The Ideal Marketing Company

<p>Since starting my business 18 months or so ago, I have gone from a networking novice to being a solid contributor through meeting and getting to know the <strong>wealth of business skills</strong>, <strong>knowledge</strong> and <strong>experience</strong> of Paul Green and the members of The Business Community. I mainly attend the Wellingborough session, but have plans to spread myself further afield in Northamptonshire during the rest of this year as membership allows this, unlike others.</p>
<p>The <strong>format of the meetings is fun</strong>, <strong>but has meaning</strong> ... and you can always be assured <strong>a friendly welcome</strong> (as I got recently when attending the Daventry session for the first time). I have made <strong>loads of good business contacts</strong> that I would have only made through The Business Community ... if you are starting or have recently started a business, book yourself on a session and find out for yourself ... breakfast is good too!</p>

Since starting my business 18 months or so ago, I have gone from a networking novice to being a solid contributor through meeting and getting to know the wealth of business skills, knowledge and experience of Paul Green and the members of The Business Community. I mainly attend the Wellingborough session, but have plans to spread myself further afield in Northamptonshire during the rest of this year as membership allows this, unlike others.

The format of the meetings is fun, but has meaning ... and you can always be assured a friendly welcome (as I got recently when attending the Daventry session for the first time). I have made loads of good business contacts that I would have only made through The Business Community ... if you are starting or have recently started a business, book yourself on a session and find out for yourself ... breakfast is good too!

Andy Sarson - APS Marketing Consulting Services

<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

<p>Paul's BusComm networking events are <strong>very friendly and welcoming</strong>. There are a great opportunity to meet with other businesses. The support and training that is offered along with the membership is <strong>incredible and great value for money</strong>.</p>

Paul's BusComm networking events are very friendly and welcoming. There are a great opportunity to meet with other businesses. The support and training that is offered along with the membership is incredible and great value for money.

Samantha Cameron - Samantha Cameron Social