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>In the short time I’ve been a member, The Business Community has <strong>transformed my business</strong> and I’ve met some fantastic contacts along the way. Paul Green and Stephen Church are excellent hosts and bring <strong>great charm and personality into the meeting</strong>. Highly recommended to any business - whether starting out or established.</p>

In the short time I’ve been a member, The Business Community has transformed my business and I’ve met some fantastic contacts along the way. Paul Green and Stephen Church are excellent hosts and bring great charm and personality into the meeting. Highly recommended to any business - whether starting out or established.

Sam Sayer - DeType Limited

<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

<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>A <strong>truly supportive group</strong> of people. We network to make friends and generate business, BusComm has done both for me. I look forward to many more years of membership and recommend this group to anyone looking to <strong>develop meaningful and profitable business relationships</strong>.</p>

A truly supportive group of people. We network to make friends and generate business, BusComm has done both for me. I look forward to many more years of membership and recommend this group to anyone looking to develop meaningful and profitable business relationships.

Damien O'Dwyer - Business Growth Midlands