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've been part of this business networking group since first stepping out into business on my own in 2016. It has been <strong>a fabulous group</strong> to be part of not just because of the referrals I've had but also because of the <strong>fantastic support</strong> you get from the other members. <strong>Highly recommended</strong>.</p>

I've been part of this business networking group since first stepping out into business on my own in 2016. It has been a fabulous group to be part of not just because of the referrals I've had but also because of the fantastic support you get from the other members. Highly recommended.

Russell Parker - QRB Management Consulants

<p>The networking sessions are always <strong>very lively and enjoyable</strong>, and I have found many of the additional <strong>training sessions invaluable</strong>. By far the biggest benefit for me however, is the<strong> feeling of community</strong>. I really enjoy coming together with others in similar situations and having the opportunity to <strong>broaden my business network</strong>. Most importantly, no matter how much life gets in the way of me being able to attend meetings, I’ve <strong>always been warmly welcomed back</strong> into the fold and almost forgotten I was ever away!</p>

The networking sessions are always very lively and enjoyable, and I have found many of the additional training sessions invaluable. By far the biggest benefit for me however, is the feeling of community. I really enjoy coming together with others in similar situations and having the opportunity to broaden my business network. Most importantly, no matter how much life gets in the way of me being able to attend meetings, I’ve always been warmly welcomed back into the fold and almost forgotten I was ever away!

Nicola Hawkins - My Aide

<p>Paul's Business Community <strong>combines all the best in networking</strong>. It's my <strong>number one place to keep up to date in business</strong> and gives me the personal support so necessary for the small business owner. Networking is also my chosen method of acquiring new clients and <strong>over 80% of my work comes from the wonderful people</strong> I've met across the different groups with the Community.</p>

Paul's Business Community combines all the best in networking. It's my number one place to keep up to date in business and gives me the personal support so necessary for the small business owner. Networking is also my chosen method of acquiring new clients and over 80% of my work comes from the wonderful people I've met across the different groups with the Community.

Jacky Sherman - The Consultants' Consultant

<p>This is a small enough networking group to feel like a community but big enough to have a <strong>good variety of different business types and sizes</strong>. Love the meeting structure (with a difference) which gives the chance to discuss as a whole group and <strong>share ideas</strong> rather than just speaking to the people sitting next to you. Can't recommend it more highly to anyone running their own business.</p>

This is a small enough networking group to feel like a community but big enough to have a good variety of different business types and sizes. Love the meeting structure (with a difference) which gives the chance to discuss as a whole group and share ideas rather than just speaking to the people sitting next to you. Can't recommend it more highly to anyone running their own business.

Margot Clarke - Margot Clarke Consultancy