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>vibrant networking group</strong> that successfully combines <strong>professional relationship building</strong> with <strong>business education</strong>. Paul’s <strong>engaging facilitation style</strong> enables people to <strong>bond quickly</strong> and <strong>learn from each other</strong>. The inputs provide up to date thinking to challenge the members of The Business Community to think and act differently so to improve business results.</p>

The Business Community is a vibrant networking group that successfully combines professional relationship building with business education. Paul’s engaging facilitation style enables people to bond quickly and learn from each other. The inputs provide up to date thinking to challenge the members of The Business Community to think and act differently so to improve business results.

Paul Beesley - Beyond Theory

<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>We can only state the<strong> quality of service and professionalism</strong> we have experienced throughout our association with The Business Community has been <strong>exemplary</strong>, and far <strong>beyond our expectations</strong>.</p>

We can only state the quality of service and professionalism we have experienced throughout our association with The Business Community has been exemplary, and far beyond our expectations.

Bharat Panchal - C4 Secure

<p>We have been members for several years and find <strong>each meeting informative, friendly yet professional</strong>. There are lots of different meetings you can visit within Northamptonshire and beyond so <strong>great value for money</strong>. Well worth a visit. Would definitely recommend The Business Community.</p>

We have been members for several years and find each meeting informative, friendly yet professional. There are lots of different meetings you can visit within Northamptonshire and beyond so great value for money. Well worth a visit. Would definitely recommend The Business Community.

Janet Braunston - Braunston Print