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>The networking sessions are always <strong>very lively and enjoyable</strong>, and I have found many of the additional <strong>training sessions invaluable</strong>. By far the biggest benefit for me however, is the<strong> feeling of community</strong>. I really enjoy coming together with others in similar situations and having the opportunity to <strong>broaden my business network</strong>. Most importantly, no matter how much life gets in the way of me being able to attend meetings, I’ve <strong>always been warmly welcomed back</strong> into the fold and almost forgotten I was ever away!</p>

The networking sessions are always very lively and enjoyable, and I have found many of the additional training sessions invaluable. By far the biggest benefit for me however, is the feeling of community. I really enjoy coming together with others in similar situations and having the opportunity to broaden my business network. Most importantly, no matter how much life gets in the way of me being able to attend meetings, I’ve always been warmly welcomed back into the fold and almost forgotten I was ever away!

Nicola Hawkins - My Aide

<p>BusComm offers <strong>structured yet relaxed and friendly networking</strong>, but it's so much more than that; the <strong>support of fellow businesses is fantastic</strong>, through good times they are there to cheer you on and during the more difficult times they are there to offer invaluable practical support. This f<strong>antastic community of business owners is second to none</strong>. I cannot recommend Paul Green and the Business Community highly enough.</p>

BusComm offers structured yet relaxed and friendly networking, but it's so much more than that; the support of fellow businesses is fantastic, through good times they are there to cheer you on and during the more difficult times they are there to offer invaluable practical support. This fantastic community of business owners is second to none. I cannot recommend Paul Green and the Business Community highly enough.

Wendy Tate - Bean Counters

<p>We have been members for several years and find <strong>each meeting informative, friendly yet professional</strong>. There are lots of different meetings you can visit within Northamptonshire and beyond so <strong>great value for money</strong>. Well worth a visit. Would definitely recommend The Business Community.</p>

We have been members for several years and find each meeting informative, friendly yet professional. There are lots of different meetings you can visit within Northamptonshire and beyond so great value for money. Well worth a visit. Would definitely recommend The Business Community.

Janet Braunston - Braunston Print

<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