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>BusComm is a business networking group like no other. It's <strong>fun, friendly and focused</strong>. The <strong>support and advice</strong> available through the group is <strong>second to none</strong>.</p>
<p>I've <strong>gained business</strong> as a direct result of being a member. It has enabled me to <strong>find suppliers and contacts</strong> who have been able to help my clients.</p>
<p>I would highly recommend the group to anyone.</p>

BusComm is a business networking group like no other. It's fun, friendly and focused. The support and advice available through the group is second to none.

I've gained business as a direct result of being a member. It has enabled me to find suppliers and contacts who have been able to help my clients.

I would highly recommend the group to anyone.

Eleanor Lester - Shrewd PR

<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>Business Community networking meetings are <strong>great fun</strong> - and <strong>good for business</strong> too! The members are all <strong>genuinely lovely people</strong>, the <strong>banter is enjoyable</strong>, and <strong>everyone is out to help each other</strong>. I really like the format of the meetings, and Paul is constantly working to provide ways for the network to benefit each other. It's great to be a part of it.</p>

Business Community networking meetings are great fun - and good for business too! The members are all genuinely lovely people, the banter is enjoyable, and everyone is out to help each other. I really like the format of the meetings, and Paul is constantly working to provide ways for the network to benefit each other. It's great to be a part of it.

Tim Freed - Book That In