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><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>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>I’ve been a member of the Business Community for many years now. I’ve got to <strong>know & develop relationships</strong> with a wide range of business people in that time. Networking is not a quick fix but it is <strong>supportive, encouraging and mutually beneficial</strong>. If you’re looking for somewhere to grow, not only your business, but yourself then I highly recommend you come along to these groups. They are <strong>exceptional value for money</strong> too.</p>

I’ve been a member of the Business Community for many years now. I’ve got to know & develop relationships with a wide range of business people in that time. Networking is not a quick fix but it is supportive, encouraging and mutually beneficial. If you’re looking for somewhere to grow, not only your business, but yourself then I highly recommend you come along to these groups. They are exceptional value for money too.

Heather Petty - UW

<p>It is the <strong>best networking group</strong> I have ever been part of. The other members have given me such a <strong>warm welcome</strong> into the community and they are all <strong>supportive towards your business</strong>. The way Paul Green has structured the business community is<strong> fantastic and very well thought through</strong>. There is a whole host of opportunities to give your <strong>business exposure</strong>.</p>

It is the best networking group I have ever been part of. The other members have given me such a warm welcome into the community and they are all supportive towards your business. The way Paul Green has structured the business community is fantastic and very well thought through. There is a whole host of opportunities to give your business exposure.

Joseph Mogale - Strategic Web Success