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>1 year ago I made the decision that I needed to start Business Networking. Scary stuff! Or so I thought. Walking into the meeting room for my first meeting was quite frankly, terrifying. <strong>I really shouldn’t have worried</strong>. I was immediately taken under the wing of one of the more experienced networkers. I can count a <strong>number of BusComm members as clients</strong>, and <strong>even more who have passed work my way</strong>. It’s important to note that there is absolutely <strong>no pressure to refer</strong> – so you truly know it’s on merit. It’s a<strong> fabulous community</strong>.</p>

1 year ago I made the decision that I needed to start Business Networking. Scary stuff! Or so I thought. Walking into the meeting room for my first meeting was quite frankly, terrifying. I really shouldn’t have worried. I was immediately taken under the wing of one of the more experienced networkers. I can count a number of BusComm members as clients, and even more who have passed work my way. It’s important to note that there is absolutely no pressure to refer – so you truly know it’s on merit. It’s a fabulous community.

Hayley White - VirtuHR

<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>The Business Community is a <strong>vibrant networking group</strong> that successfully combines <strong>professional relationship building</strong> with <strong>business education</strong>. Paul’s <strong>engaging facilitation style</strong> enables people to <strong>bond quickly</strong> and <strong>learn from each other</strong>. 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.</p>

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

<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