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>Networking is my primary route to market for my business. The Business Community provides a <strong>valuable part of my networking strategy</strong> and has a <strong>great welcoming</strong> and <strong>interesting forum</strong> for <strong>like-minded business professionals</strong>.</p>

Networking is my primary route to market for my business. The Business Community provides a valuable part of my networking strategy and has a great welcoming and interesting forum for like-minded business professionals.

Simon Evans - WPA

<p><strong>Friendly atmosphere</strong> - people don't take themselves too seriously, there are laughs and jokes mixed in with a genuine sense that everybody is looking out for each other. <strong>Good structure to the meetings</strong> - they are <strong>not too formal or overly casual</strong> and a great place to pick up tips (not always business-related). Free courses for members - I have been on several courses put on by other members and <strong>always come away having learnt something useful</strong>.</p>

Friendly atmosphere - people don't take themselves too seriously, there are laughs and jokes mixed in with a genuine sense that everybody is looking out for each other. Good structure to the meetings - they are not too formal or overly casual and a great place to pick up tips (not always business-related). Free courses for members - I have been on several courses put on by other members and always come away having learnt something useful.

Martin Beckley - The Creative Astronaut

<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

<p>This is the <strong>only business network I've stuck with</strong> for the duration of my 9 years of self-employment. <strong>Developmental, supportive and friendly</strong>, I would recommend this group to anyone looking to <strong>get business, give business and learn and develop</strong> whilst doing so.</p>

This is the only business network I've stuck with for the duration of my 9 years of self-employment. Developmental, supportive and friendly, I would recommend this group to anyone looking to get business, give business and learn and develop whilst doing so.

James Tarry - Cheyne Walk Club