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>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>The Business Community is bringing me <strong>ever-increasing levels of business</strong>; as well as<strong> invaluable business support</strong>.</p>

The Business Community is bringing me ever-increasing levels of business; as well as invaluable business support.

Stephen Church - Copywriter Pro

<p>I really enjoy the meetings, the<strong> format works well</strong> and the <strong>atmosphere is friendly</strong>, most importantly it is <strong>not too scary if you are new to networking</strong>. I have made some <strong>valuable business contacts</strong> over the last year that I would not have found had it not been for The Business Community.</p>

I really enjoy the meetings, the format works well and the atmosphere is friendly, most importantly it is not too scary if you are new to networking. I have made some valuable business contacts over the last year that I would not have found had it not been for The Business Community.

Andi Herrington - Wallis Payroll

<p>1 year ago I made the decision that I needed to start Business Networking. Scary stuff! Or so I thought. Walking into the meeting room for my first meeting was quite frankly, terrifying. <strong>I really shouldn’t have worried</strong>. I was immediately taken under the wing of one of the more experienced networkers. I can count a <strong>number of BusComm members as clients</strong>, and <strong>even more who have passed work my way</strong>. It’s important to note that there is absolutely <strong>no pressure to refer</strong> – so you truly know it’s on merit. It’s a<strong> fabulous community</strong>.</p>

1 year ago I made the decision that I needed to start Business Networking. Scary stuff! Or so I thought. Walking into the meeting room for my first meeting was quite frankly, terrifying. I really shouldn’t have worried. I was immediately taken under the wing of one of the more experienced networkers. I can count a number of BusComm members as clients, and even more who have passed work my way. It’s important to note that there is absolutely no pressure to refer – so you truly know it’s on merit. It’s a fabulous community.

Hayley White - VirtuHR