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
Register for free to keep up to date with funding, government initiatives and other support for your business.
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
Start-Up Loans (includes free mentor for 12 months)
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
Been a member now for several years and really value the wide range of member benefits including the free training. There is great variety in the membership profiles, the meetings are informative, collaborative and importantly fun and now having an online meeting offer means you can get even more from your membership
Jo Thurman - Personal Career Management
The Business Community is a vibrant networking group that successfully combines professional relationship building with business education. Paul’s engaging facilitation style enables people to bond quickly and learn from each other. The inputs provide up to date thinking to challenge the members of The Business Community to think and act differently so to improve business results.
Paul Beesley - Beyond Theory
The Business Community is bringing me ever-increasing levels of business; as well as invaluable business support.
Stephen Church - Copywriter Pro
