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 Business Community is bringing me <strong>ever-increasing levels of business</strong>; as well as<strong> invaluable business support</strong>.</p>

The Business Community is bringing me ever-increasing levels of business; as well as invaluable business support.

Stephen Church - Copywriter Pro

<p><strong>Excellent networking group</strong> where I've met some really nice people. It has directly <strong>helped me grow</strong> my gym and I have numerous clients who go there. The group has the <strong>right balance</strong> between being <strong>friendly</strong> and actually <strong>help you grow your sales/business</strong>. I'd highly recommend going.</p>

Excellent networking group where I've met some really nice people. It has directly helped me grow my gym and I have numerous clients who go there. The group has the right balance between being friendly and actually help you grow your sales/business. I'd highly recommend going.

Darren Pyefinch - Vibrant Fit

<p>I have done lots of networking over the years, and I love The Business Community. It hits <strong>just the right mix of being structured and organised</strong> while still being a <strong>friendly and relaxed</strong> place to be. The business world would be a lonelier place without it.</p>

I have done lots of networking over the years, and I love The Business Community. It hits just the right mix of being structured and organised while still being a friendly and relaxed place to be. The business world would be a lonelier place without it.

Paul Marks - Michael Paul Accountants