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>We can only state the<strong> quality of service and professionalism</strong> we have experienced throughout our association with The Business Community has been <strong>exemplary</strong>, and far <strong>beyond our expectations</strong>.</p>

We can only state the quality of service and professionalism we have experienced throughout our association with The Business Community has been exemplary, and far beyond our expectations.

Bharat Panchal - C4 Secure

<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

<p>Thank you Paul for allowing me to be part of BusComm, I always look forward to the meetings, they are <strong>very friendly and helpful</strong> and there always seems to be a <strong>really good supply of support and advice</strong> if we need it! I have been a member now for several months and find it an <strong>excellent networking group for referrals</strong> and future business!</p>

Thank you Paul for allowing me to be part of BusComm, I always look forward to the meetings, they are very friendly and helpful and there always seems to be a really good supply of support and advice if we need it! I have been a member now for several months and find it an excellent networking group for referrals and future business!

Caroline Haylor - Red Pepper Catering

<p>I have been a member of The Business Community for several years. I love Paul’s groups, they have the right <strong>balance of social and business focus</strong> as well as providing <strong>opportunities to develop your skills</strong>. In addition, they play a <strong>major role in revenue generation</strong> for my business and I will remain a member for many years to come!</p>

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