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>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>From starting my own business just over 12 months ago, the <strong>support of this network group has been amazing</strong>. It is <strong>great value for money</strong> and there are free workshops to help you build your business. I would highly recommend The Business Community.</p>

From starting my own business just over 12 months ago, the support of this network group has been amazing. It is great value for money and there are free workshops to help you build your business. I would highly recommend The Business Community.

Nicky Buckley - East Midlands HR

<p>I really enjoy the BusComm meetings, the format works quite well and the <strong>atmosphere is very friendly</strong>, most importantly it is <strong>not too scary</strong> even when you are new to networking. I have got enough support from BusComm members, number of clients and <strong>valuable business contacts</strong>.</p>

I really enjoy the BusComm meetings, the format works quite well and the atmosphere is very friendly, most importantly it is not too scary even when you are new to networking. I have got enough support from BusComm members, number of clients and valuable business contacts.

Ashish Kumar - Web Alliance

<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