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>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><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>Thank you Paul for allowing me to be part of BusComm, I always look forward to the meetings, they are <strong>very friendly and helpful</strong> and there always seems to be a <strong>really good supply of support and advice</strong> if we need it! I have been a member now for several months and find it an <strong>excellent networking group for referrals</strong> and future business!</p>

Thank you Paul for allowing me to be part of BusComm, I always look forward to the meetings, they are very friendly and helpful and there always seems to be a really good supply of support and advice if we need it! I have been a member now for several months and find it an excellent networking group for referrals and future business!

Caroline Haylor - Red Pepper Catering

<p>I enjoyed my first meeting at The Business Community. The atmosphere was <strong>friendly and welcoming</strong>. Anyone new to networking would feel comfortable from the outset. The agenda was <strong>enjoyable, but business-like</strong> and <strong>informative</strong>. It was interesting to learn about all the other businesses around the table, and they showed a genuine interest in my business. What stood out for me was when we broke for a 10 minute 121 with another individual. That was a <strong>chance to establish a real connection</strong> with someone else in the room.</p>

I enjoyed my first meeting at The Business Community. The atmosphere was friendly and welcoming. Anyone new to networking would feel comfortable from the outset. The agenda was enjoyable, but business-like and informative. It was interesting to learn about all the other businesses around the table, and they showed a genuine interest in my business. What stood out for me was when we broke for a 10 minute 121 with another individual. That was a chance to establish a real connection with someone else in the room.

Robin Kirkley - Vizeo Media