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.
Over the last three years, West Northants Council received £5.4m of UK Shared Prosperity Fund and £1.3m of Rural England Prosperity Fund. As a business-dedicated local authority, over £3million of these funds were allocated to business support & grants.
NEW for 2025: Build Your Business 2.0
Empowering Small Businesses and Aspiring Entrepreneurs in Northamptonshire
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
- Expert-led webinars and workshops
- Networking opportunities with other local entrepreneurs
- Access to specialist market research tools and resources
- Start-up grants of up to £2,000 to kickstart your journey
Grant applications must be received by midday on Friday 27 June 2025 or midday on Friday 25 July 2025. Click here for more info.
Here are some examples of funding already delivered:
- Resilience & Innovation Fund – a business grant that provides support to enterprises based in the South Midlands area who are looking to invest in their business leading to growth. Grants ranged between £5,000 – £50,000.
- Growing Innovation Fund – designed to fuel business innovation by providing financial support to ambitious companies in the South Midlands region. Grants ranged between £100,000 – £300,000.
- Net Zero West Northants – expert advice to benefit employers by reducing energy bills, assessing the existing carbon footprint and solutions to implement energy saving measures.Grants ranged between £1,000 – £20,000
- Business Growth & Innovation – a comprehensive programme to deliver business growth initiatives, including activities designed to empower innovation and accelerate growth. Grants ranged from £2,500 – £20,000
In 2025/26, West Northants Council will receive a further £1,755,168 which will include more funded business support and grants. Information on this fund will be updated on the West Northants Council website here.