Call for Applications: Build Your Business Programme 2.0 (UK)

Training and Support

• The programme is completely flexible so your business can access as much support as you need, tailored to you. It includes:
  • One-to-Ones
    • Book a free 1:1 business support session with the BIPC Northamptonshire team.
  • Events
    • All webinars, workshops and networking need to be registered via Eventbrite.
  • Market Research
    • Access to free market research resources and tools to build your business.

Webinars & Workshops

• Choose workshops and webinars covering the key areas of running a business including:
  • Business basics
    • Their business basics series is designed to equip you with the skills needed to start and run a successful business.​ These sessions include utilising the library’s resources for market research to make informed business decisions.
  • Marketing
    • Learn how to market your business with marketing expert Susie Mitchell. They explore the world of marketing and customers offering practical advice, support and tools for your business to succeed at marketing.
  • Business planning
    • Discover innovative frameworks to structure your business, understand the legal considerations for different business types and learn how to develop a robust growth strategy to propel your business forward.
  • Financial planning
    • Gain the knowledge and tools to manage your business finances effectively. Learn how to create and maintain a budget, manage cash flow for start-ups, develop a strategic pricing plan and understand financial planning for established businesses.
  • Learn at lunch
    • Learn on your lunch break with their series of bite-sized webinars. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, a small business owner, or just eager to learn something new, thjeir sessions have something for everyone
  • Mental health & Wellbeing
    • Explore essential strategies for business owners to maintain mental health, build resilience against anxiety and stress, find time and energy while achieving business goals and gain confidence as an entrepreneur.​

Funding Information

• 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 and ongoing support from the BIPC Northamptonshire team.

Ineligible Expenditure

• List of ineligible expenditure:
  • Activities which are discriminatory, political, or are classed as religious conversion.
  • Where there is statutory funding provision available.
  • Costs that can be claimed back from elsewhere e.g. VAT.
  • Costs that are not auditable e.g. cash payments unsupported by an approved financial system.
  • Costs towards banking charges or repayment of debt.
  • Payments made to individual members of the applicant business who have a personal financial interest.
  • Retrospective costs e.g. activities completed, or costs incurred before the agreement of funding.
  • Programmes or activities which are considered the core activity of national or regional government, Government Departments or arms-length body, such as health or education.
  • Gifts and prizes.
  • Alcohol.
  • Employee costs, including salaries.
  • Political lobbying.
  • Training or facilitation costs.
  • Works to facilities that are/should be subject to an insurance claim.
  • Capital works to a residential property.
  • Projects already funded by other West Northamptonshire Council or North Northamptonshire Council funding

Eligibility Criteria

• The eligibility criteria and terms and conditions include:
  • The applicant business must be registered for less than one year on the application deadline and be trading from Northamptonshire
  • The business must read and comply with the full terms and conditions, must apply for the grant using BIPC Northamptonshire application form, and submit a completed cashflow forecast and registration form
  • The business must have attended at least three BIPC Northamptonshire Build Your Business sessions prior to application. This can be any combination of workshops, webinars or 1:1s. Sessions before the 31st October 2024 cannot be counted

For more information, visit Business & IP Centre Northamptonshire.