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>The Business Community is a <strong>top class networking group</strong>. The meetings are great, with a <strong>relaxed but professional feel</strong>. The members are all very <strong>supportive</strong> and Paul does a great job of keeping the meetings interesting as well as providing more than just a meeting. I would highly recommend them to anyone that is looking for networking opportunities.</p>

The Business Community is a top class networking group. The meetings are great, with a relaxed but professional feel. The members are all very supportive and Paul does a great job of keeping the meetings interesting as well as providing more than just a meeting. I would highly recommend them to anyone that is looking for networking opportunities.

Sean Clegg - Tiny Jungle

<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>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>A <strong>truly supportive group</strong> of people. We network to make friends and generate business, BusComm has done both for me. I look forward to many more years of membership and recommend this group to anyone looking to <strong>develop meaningful and profitable business relationships</strong>.</p>

A truly supportive group of people. We network to make friends and generate business, BusComm has done both for me. I look forward to many more years of membership and recommend this group to anyone looking to develop meaningful and profitable business relationships.

Damien O'Dwyer - Business Growth Midlands