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)

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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

<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

<p>Paul's Business Community <strong>combines all the best in networking</strong>. It's my <strong>number one place to keep up to date in business</strong> and gives me the personal support so necessary for the small business owner. Networking is also my chosen method of acquiring new clients and <strong>over 80% of my work comes from the wonderful people</strong> I've met across the different groups with the Community.</p>

Paul's Business Community combines all the best in networking. It's my number one place to keep up to date in business and gives me the personal support so necessary for the small business owner. Networking is also my chosen method of acquiring new clients and over 80% of my work comes from the wonderful people I've met across the different groups with the Community.

Jacky Sherman - The Consultants' Consultant

<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