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
Register for free to keep up to date with funding, government initiatives and other support for your business.
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
Start-Up Loans (includes free mentor for 12 months)
Been a member now for several years and really value the wide range of member benefits including the free training. There is great variety in the membership profiles, the meetings are informative, collaborative and importantly fun and now having an online meeting offer means you can get even more from your membership
Jo Thurman - Personal Career Management
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
The Business Community is bringing me ever-increasing levels of business; as well as invaluable business support.
Stephen Church - Copywriter Pro
The Business Community is so much more than just a networking group, while the networking meetings are energising and fun, you get genuine community and support that I haven't experienced anywhere else. It's also brilliant value for money, reasonably price with extras that are very generous. I'd highly recommend.
Jessica Shailes - The Ideal Marketing Company
