Finance and Funding

West Northants is an area where funding for businesses is and will always be a top priority. Employers in this area have benefited from a variety of funding streams over recent years to increase productivity & innovation, to progress to net zero and to expand and scale.

For 2025-2026, West Northants has received £1.8m of UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) and £410k of Rural England Prosperity Fund (REPF).

West Northamptonshire Rural Business Grant
Got a brilliant idea for your rural business? The West Northamptonshire Rural Business Grant is here to help you make it happen! With grants from £2,500 to £75,000, you can get up to 50% funding for exciting capital projects, from farm diversification to food & drink ventures, tourism, forestry, and more.

Delivered by Ngage Solutions with West Northamptonshire Council, this grant is all about turning rural ideas into reality. But hurry! Projects must be completed by March 2026!

You will need to submit an expression of interest outlining the details of your project. This will be reviewed and, if the project is eligible, you will be invited to complete a full application. This scheme is a competitive process and by submitting a full application, there is no guarantee that you will be funded.

2025 Driving Innovation Grant Programme

The Driving Innovation Grant is now open offering support to Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) across West Northants. This grant programme is here to help businesses innovate, grow and thrive.

Grants available range from £1,000 – £25,000.

Transform your business with this government-backed grant. Unlike loans, the funding does not need to be repaid. However, you must provide matched funding of at least 50% of the total project cost.

Applications will need to show how the project aligns with the 4 priorities of the Economic Growth Strategy.

    Build Your Business 2.0
    Whether you’re already running a small business or just starting to explore a new business idea, Build Your Business 2.0 is here to help you grow and succeed.

    Through this programme, you’ll have access to personalised 1:1 business support, webinars, networking opportunities, as well as access to tools and resources.

    Part of the Build Your Business programme is the opportunity to apply for a grant. Successful applicants will receive a £2,000 grant for business expenses.

    This is a competitive grant process with limited availability. Eligible businesses must be registered for less than one year by the application deadline, operate in Northamptonshire, and comply with all terms and conditions. Applications must be submitted using the BIPC Northamptonshire form, along with a completed cashflow forecast and registration form. Additionally, applicants must have attended at least three BIPC Northamptonshire “Build Your Business” sessions—workshops, webinars, or 1:1s—after 31st October 2024

    Grant applications must be received by midday on Friday 27 June 2025 or midday on Friday 25 July 2025. Please note: These are two separate deadlines, not a submission window.