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 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

<p>The Business Community is a <strong>top class networking group</strong>. The meetings are great, with a <strong>relaxed but professional feel</strong>. The members are all very <strong>supportive</strong> and Paul does a great job of keeping the meetings interesting as well as providing more than just a meeting. I would highly recommend them to anyone that is looking for networking opportunities.</p>

The Business Community is a top class networking group. The meetings are great, with a relaxed but professional feel. The members are all very supportive and Paul does a great job of keeping the meetings interesting as well as providing more than just a meeting. I would highly recommend them to anyone that is looking for networking opportunities.

Sean Clegg - Tiny Jungle

<p>The Business Community is what is says on the tin - a <strong>real community of businesses</strong> from a whole range of sectors. The support the group offer each other is second to none and the networking groups are <strong>always fun and a joy to attend</strong>.</p>

The Business Community is what is says on the tin - a real community of businesses from a whole range of sectors. The support the group offer each other is second to none and the networking groups are always fun and a joy to attend.

Jamie Cochrane - PBC Business Recovery

<p>Networking is my primary route to market for my business. The Business Community provides a <strong>valuable part of my networking strategy</strong> and has a <strong>great welcoming</strong> and <strong>interesting forum</strong> for <strong>like-minded business professionals</strong>.</p>

Networking is my primary route to market for my business. The Business Community provides a valuable part of my networking strategy and has a great welcoming and interesting forum for like-minded business professionals.

Simon Evans - WPA