Unlock your business potential with the build your business programme in Northamptonshire

Empowering small businesses, local entrepreneurs and aspiring business owners is the aim of North Northamptonshire Council and West Northamptonshire Council’s Build Your Business programme which is being rolled out across the area.

Delivered by both Councils and the Business & IP Centre Northamptonshire (BIPC), with a total of £600,000 funding from the Government’s UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) over a two-year period, the dynamic business support initiative is accessible to businesses free of charge.

It offers a diverse range of modules and has already seen local businesses use the opportunity to access workshops, webinars, one to one support, mentoring and more which are all available as part of the programme to help local businesses grow, flourish, and succeed.

A key component of Build Your Business is the opportunity for aspiring local businesses under one year old to apply for a start-up grant of £2,000 to help towards business-associated costs. Businesses are invited to apply online for this financial boost, and successful applicants will not only receive this important funding, but also ongoing support from the experienced BIPC Northamptonshire team.

Northamptonshire is home to thousands of local businesses, run by talented and passionate people and I am delighted to come together with our partners at West Northamptonshire Council, and BIPC Northamptonshire to launch this excellent programme of support. 

Through workshops, one to one consultation, webinars and more, this brilliant initiative provides local businesses with a blend of expert-led tools to help them to thrive and demonstrates our commitment to nurturing entrepreneurship and fostering economic growth within our communities.  We are encouraging local businesses across the area to find out more and use this fantastic opportunity.Cllr David Brackenbury, North Northamptonshire Council’s Executive Member for Growth and Regeneration

This dynamic project not only fuels the entrepreneurial spirit across the county, it enables every local business to access dedicated expert advice to grow, expand, innovate and diversify within Northamptonshire.

Supporting local businesses is a priority for both local authorities in this area and we have a vision to enable every business to be sustainable, resilient, and continuously developing and growing.

Both the West Northants Economic Growth & Inward Investment Team and the BIPC are on hand to enhance the local offer, delivering numerous funding streams for businesses and working collaboratively to see every business in the area thrive.Cllr Daniel Lister, Cabinet Member for Economic Development, Town Centre Regeneration and Growth at West Northamptonshire Council

RNS Auto Group, established in 2019, is a small family-owned motor trade business, based in Wellingborough. We specialise in complex mechanical and electrical jobs and standard maintenance and repair.

We are happy to be supported by the Build Your Business programme. As a small business, we understand the importance of having business support, especially during the early stages. I found it extremely helpful to have a 1:1 discussion about my ideas and plans, as well as advice on how to write a business plan.

BIPC Northamptonshire has been an important part of our journey with RNS Auto Group, as their guidance has helped me understand business strategies, finance, and marketing. I also had access to market research and industry reports, which I found very helpful to understand the market I am trading in. BIPC Northamptonshire has truly played a key role in our business, and we are very thankful for their dedication to helping local businesses like mine thrive.Bazena Rabkevich, RNS Auto Group

The Build Your Business programme comprises five modules covering a range of essential topics including marketing, business growth and financial planning, and businesses can tailor engagement with these according to their individual needs. As part of the complete package of support, drop-in sessions are on offer at Wellingborough, Kettering, Brixworth and Towcester Library.

Businesses interested in taking advantage of the Build Your Business programme are encouraged to visit the website where they can learn more, find dates for drop-in sessions, register for workshops, webinars, one to ones and more.