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 Government Support

Changing Futures

Changing Futures are based in Northamptonshire and aims to provide real opportunities for people to gain the skills they want and help to achieve the career progression opportunities they deserve.

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.

Enterprise Nation

King'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><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

<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>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

<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