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>I'm a long-term member of a national networking group. I've now also joined BusComm and I'm finding it a <strong>breath of fresh air</strong>. A <strong>very welcoming and supportive atmosphere</strong> where the focus seems to be about helping each other instead of sell, sell, sell. BusComm meetings don't take themselves too seriously but are still <strong>professional and informative</strong>.</p>

I'm a long-term member of a national networking group. I've now also joined BusComm and I'm finding it a breath of fresh air. A very welcoming and supportive atmosphere where the focus seems to be about helping each other instead of sell, sell, sell. BusComm meetings don't take themselves too seriously but are still professional and informative.

Paul Drake - WhiteStar

<p>One of my <strong>favourite networking events</strong>. <strong>Good people, fun but structured meetings</strong> with useful connections being made, 1-2-1s, and a member presentation. No pressure and no scoresheets, but of course you get out what you put in and it’s all about relationship building. The additional member benefits over and above the networking itself is where the gold is.</p>

One of my favourite networking events. Good people, fun but structured meetings with useful connections being made, 1-2-1s, and a member presentation. No pressure and no scoresheets, but of course you get out what you put in and it’s all about relationship building. The additional member benefits over and above the networking itself is where the gold is.

Steven Mather - Nexa Law

<p>Buscomm comes highly recommended as a networking group. The <strong>members are incredibly supportive</strong> and Paul is always <strong>open to new ideas</strong> and developing the service to meet the members' changing needs, ensuring <strong>an exemplary customer experience</strong>. Also, the free workshops available to members and consistent access to the collective brain network of other supportive businesses makes <strong>joining a no-brainer</strong>.</p>

Buscomm comes highly recommended as a networking group. The members are incredibly supportive and Paul is always open to new ideas and developing the service to meet the members' changing needs, ensuring an exemplary customer experience. Also, the free workshops available to members and consistent access to the collective brain network of other supportive businesses makes joining a no-brainer.

Kirti Patel - Career Inspiration

<p>Business Community networking meetings are <strong>great fun</strong> - and <strong>good for business</strong> too! The members are all <strong>genuinely lovely people</strong>, the <strong>banter is enjoyable</strong>, and <strong>everyone is out to help each other</strong>. I really like the format of the meetings, and Paul is constantly working to provide ways for the network to benefit each other. It's great to be a part of it.</p>

Business Community networking meetings are great fun - and good for business too! The members are all genuinely lovely people, the banter is enjoyable, and everyone is out to help each other. I really like the format of the meetings, and Paul is constantly working to provide ways for the network to benefit each other. It's great to be a part of it.

Tim Freed - Book That In