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 Government Support

Changing Futures

Changing Futures are based in Northamptonshire and aims to provide real opportunities for people to gain the skills they want and help to achieve the career progression opportunities they deserve.

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.

Enterprise Nation

King'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>Been a member now for several years and really value the <strong>wide range of member benefits</strong> including the free training. There is <strong>great variety in the membership</strong> profiles, the meetings are <strong>informative, collaborative and importantly fun</strong> and now having an online meeting offer means you can get even more from your membership</p>

Been a member now for several years and really value the wide range of member benefits including the free training. There is great variety in the membership profiles, the meetings are informative, collaborative and importantly fun and now having an online meeting offer means you can get even more from your membership

Jo Thurman - Personal Career Management

<p>I really enjoy the meetings, the<strong> format works well</strong> and the <strong>atmosphere is friendly</strong>, most importantly it is <strong>not too scary if you are new to networking</strong>. I have made some <strong>valuable business contacts</strong> over the last year that I would not have found had it not been for The Business Community.</p>

I really enjoy the meetings, the format works well and the atmosphere is friendly, most importantly it is not too scary if you are new to networking. I have made some valuable business contacts over the last year that I would not have found had it not been for The Business Community.

Andi Herrington - Wallis Payroll

<p>This is the <strong>only business network I've stuck with</strong> for the duration of my 9 years of self-employment. <strong>Developmental, supportive and friendly</strong>, I would recommend this group to anyone looking to <strong>get business, give business and learn and develop</strong> whilst doing so.</p>

This is the only business network I've stuck with for the duration of my 9 years of self-employment. Developmental, supportive and friendly, I would recommend this group to anyone looking to get business, give business and learn and develop whilst doing so.

James Tarry - Cheyne Walk Club

<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