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've been part of this business networking group since first stepping out into business on my own in 2016. It has been <strong>a fabulous group</strong> to be part of not just because of the referrals I've had but also because of the <strong>fantastic support</strong> you get from the other members. <strong>Highly recommended</strong>.</p>

I've been part of this business networking group since first stepping out into business on my own in 2016. It has been a fabulous group to be part of not just because of the referrals I've had but also because of the fantastic support you get from the other members. Highly recommended.

Russell Parker - QRB Management Consulants

<p>Having just started networking I realise what great opportunities there are in the local area and get to meet some <strong>very interesting people</strong> and businesses.</p>
<p>I'm very positive that given time the fruits of my effort will pay off, so keeping my fingers crossed.</p>
<p>In any case, The Business Community is a <strong>very welcoming environment</strong> and not the stuffy corporate atmosphere I used to in my past life.</p>

Having just started networking I realise what great opportunities there are in the local area and get to meet some very interesting people and businesses.

I'm very positive that given time the fruits of my effort will pay off, so keeping my fingers crossed.

In any case, The Business Community is a very welcoming environment and not the stuffy corporate atmosphere I used to in my past life.

Geraint Williams - Fourwinds Photography Services

<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

<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