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 enjoyed my first meeting at The Business Community. The atmosphere was <strong>friendly and welcoming</strong>. Anyone new to networking would feel comfortable from the outset. The agenda was <strong>enjoyable, but business-like</strong> and <strong>informative</strong>. It was interesting to learn about all the other businesses around the table, and they showed a genuine interest in my business. What stood out for me was when we broke for a 10 minute 121 with another individual. That was a <strong>chance to establish a real connection</strong> with someone else in the room.</p>

I enjoyed my first meeting at The Business Community. The atmosphere was friendly and welcoming. Anyone new to networking would feel comfortable from the outset. The agenda was enjoyable, but business-like and informative. It was interesting to learn about all the other businesses around the table, and they showed a genuine interest in my business. What stood out for me was when we broke for a 10 minute 121 with another individual. That was a chance to establish a real connection with someone else in the room.

Robin Kirkley - Vizeo Media

<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>I have been a member of The Business Community for several years. I love Paul’s groups, they have the right <strong>balance of social and business focus</strong> as well as providing <strong>opportunities to develop your skills</strong>. In addition, they play a <strong>major role in revenue generation</strong> for my business and I will remain a member for many years to come!</p>

I have been a member of The Business Community for several years. I love Paul’s groups, they have the right balance of social and business focus as well as providing opportunities to develop your skills. In addition, they play a major role in revenue generation for my business and I will remain a member for many years to come!

Julie Futcher - The Sales Ace

<p>A <strong>great local networking community</strong>. <strong>Excellent membership benefits</strong> alongside the traditional networking meetings with access to all members, workshops and just <strong>great support</strong>. Highly recommended.</p>

A great local networking community. Excellent membership benefits alongside the traditional networking meetings with access to all members, workshops and just great support. Highly recommended.

James Blacklaws - JB Commercial Finance