Grants of up to £20,000 are available from the University of Bedfordshire to local businesses as part of a new programme launched by West Northamptonshire Council (WNC) to deliver business support, growth and innovation in the region.The initiative seeks to forge pathways to innovation while fostering a dynamic business ecosystem that fuels local pride, skill enhancement, and the expansion of employment opportunities, with £325,000 in funding available as part of the support package.As part of this comprehensive programme, the University will deliver business growth initiatives, including activities designed to empower businesses with innovation and technological support, enhancing their productivity and...

11 April, 2024

North Northamptonshire Council have launched the latest round of a grant scheme to help local businesses to increase energy efficiency, move to a lower carbon economy and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.Small or medium sized businesses can now apply for grants up to £5,000 towards 50% of project costs, with the remaining amount to be match funded by the business.The funding can be used for:lighting and lighting controls heating and heating controls insulation energy efficient machinery and equipment (e.g. air compressors) solar panels heat pumps biomass boilers energy storage building energy management systemsCllr David Brackenbury, the council’s Executive Member for Growth...

01 March, 2024

Grants of £5,000 and £50,000 are now available for rural businesses across North Northamptonshire.Using monies received from the Rural England Prosperity Fund, North Northamptonshire Council has re-launched a grant scheme to support existing rural businesses, with applications now open.Following on from rounds 1 and 2 in 2023, applications are invited from projects that can be started quickly and be delivered with all spend claimed by 28 February 2025. Capital grants of between £5,000 and £50,000 are available in Round 3.The grant scheme is intended to help rural businesses become more resilient and support growth. A particular target for Round 3...

27 February, 2024

West Northamptonshire Council (WNC) has launched a new £260k grant funding scheme which aims to support local infrastructure organisations address the needs of third sector organisations to develop and grow in West Northants.Local infrastructure organisations incorporate a diverse range of services including community groups, voluntary organisations, faith and equalities groups, charities, social enterprises, co-operatives, community interest companies and housing associations.This grant funding will be available over the financial years 2024/25 and 2025/26 for eligible projects or services and incorporates £50k of funding from Central Government via the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF).The types of initiatives that will be considered for...

26 February, 2024

North Northamptonshire Council is pleased to announce the availability of the Home Upgrade Grant Phase 2 (HUG2), a government-funded scheme aimed at providing energy-saving upgrades to residents with off-gas heating systems.The HUG2 program offers free-of-charge energy-saving improvements that will not only keep homes warm but may also help residents manage their heating bills efficiently. Whether you own your home, privately rent, or are a private landlord with tenants, you may qualify to apply.The grant is available to households meeting specific criteria, including not being heated by mains gas, having a combined annual income of less than £31,000 (this will increase...

22 February, 2024

In a concerted effort to bolster rural economies, the Rural Business Grant Scheme stands as a beacon of support for businesses seeking resilience and growth. This initiative provides capital grants ranging from £5,000 to £50,000, offering a vital financial boost to enterprises in rural areas. The grants are strategically designed to facilitate investment in equipment or the construction of extensions and alterations, empowering businesses to navigate challenges and seize opportunities.Under round 3 of this scheme, there is a specific focus on rural diversification. This includes encouraging business diversification and supporting projects linked to the visitor economy. This forward-thinking approach recognizes...

16 January, 2024

Northamptonshire businesses, it's time to get excited about the future! As we face the challenges of climate change, there's a golden opportunity for you to lead the way in sustainability and reap the benefits. Here's how you can make a real difference and boost your business in 2024.Firstly, it’s key to know where to start. Transport, energy, buildings and waste are usually the biggest emitters, so don’t reinvent the wheel - assess where you are in these areas and then jump straight to some of the most impactful solutions below.TRANSPORT: Switching fleets to electric and hydrogen powered vehicles is...

03 January, 2024

West Northamptonshire Council (WNC) has launched a Rural Business Grants programme to support businesses in the most rural parts of West Northants to diversify and grow.Utilising £919,772 of UK Shared Prosperity (UKSPF) and Rural England Prosperity Funding (REPF), this programme will provide up to 50% of equal match-funding of between £2,500 and £100,000 to businesses located in Defra’s designated rural areas within West Northamptonshire.Grants can be used to support the building and equipment of capital projects, for example converting a farm building for an alternative business use such as a business hub, wedding venue or for hospitality; growing rural tourism; the acquisition of...

15 December, 2023

UK Shared Prosperity Fund: Supporting Businesses (Decarbonisation)  West Northamptonshire Council are seeking a suitably qualified and experienced Contractor to provide expert advice to enable local businesses to reduce their carbon footprint and move towards net zero.The chosen supplier will administer grants as well as supporting employers to develop sustainability plans to reduce their costs, be more energy efficient and realise Government’s ambitions for a Net Zero future (as well as benefiting the local business, the local area and the planet as a whole).This is an exciting opportunity to work with us to support West Northants businesses to utilise funding that will...

21 November, 2023

West Northamptonshire Council (WNC) has launched a new £950k grants scheme to create new and support existing community transport initiatives in West Northants, as well as support the expansion of current grant funded transport projects and services.This grant funding will be available over the financial years 2024/25 and 2025/26 for eligible community transport projects from 1 April 2024, following £547,181 funding from Central Government via the Rural England Prosperity Fund (REPF) and £60,337 from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF), in addition to £342,000 of Council funding.The grant funding will be allocated to community transport projects and services that meet...

20 November, 2023

North Northamptonshire Council is offering nine grants to local councils and voluntary organisations currently supporting with the cost-of-living.The grants, which are an allocation of the Government’s Household Support Fund, funded by the Department for Work and Pensions, can be applied for by organisations, or groups of organisations.Applications will need to demonstrate that the funding will be used to support low-income and vulnerable households across both town and rural communities in North Northamptonshire.Town and Parish Councils, charities, community and voluntary groups, clubs and non-profit organisations are invited to apply. They are also encouraged to come together to bid.Councillor Helen Harrison, Executive Member for Adults, Health and Wellbeing, said: “If you are an organisation working to...

17 November, 2023