West Northamptonshire Council (WNC) and North Northamptonshire Council (NNC) have recently announced the winners of the second round of start-up grants as part of the Build Your Business programme, in collaboration with the Business & IP Centre Northamptonshire (BIPC).
Supported by £600,000 from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF), this initiative aims to empower small businesses, local entrepreneurs, and aspiring business owners in the county. Through five comprehensive modules covering key aspects of running a business, including marketing, business growth, financial planning, and personal development for business owners, the programme offers valuable support.
Successful applicants participating in the programme have the opportunity to apply for a £2,000 start-up grant by submitting a competitive business plan. The grant not only provides financial assistance but also ensures continued support from the experienced BIPC Northamptonshire team.
One of the grant winners, Ami & Martin of Whatsup Training, expressed their gratitude for the resources and training provided by BIPC, stating that it has been invaluable for their new business. They emphasized how the guidance they received helped set clear goals for their company and enabled them to expand their services confidently.
Cllr Daniel Lister, Cabinet Member for Local Economy, Culture, and Leisure at West Northamptonshire Council, commended the positive impact of the programme on local entrepreneurs and small businesses, highlighting the vital support it offers for business growth and success.
Building on the success of the previous rounds, BIPC Northamptonshire has announced a third round of the Build Your Business programme, providing aspiring entrepreneurs with start-up grants of up to £2,000 for businesses under one year old.
Cllr David Brackenbury, Executive Member for Growth and Regeneration at North Northamptonshire Council, emphasized the importance of supporting small businesses and local entrepreneurs, especially during challenging times, and wished the grant recipients success in their future endeavors.