Support for small businesses in North Northamptonshire highlighted for Small Business Saturday
Free festive parking, funding opportunities, and green initiatives announced
This weekend's Small Business Saturday highlights the importance of small businesses in our communities, with North Northamptonshire Council offering various initiatives to support local enterprises.
H2 Free carbon reduction support
North Northamptonshire Council is providing free help for businesses and community organisations looking to reduce their energy use and carbon emissions.
Available support includes a carbon footprint calculation tool, guidance for creating a Carbon Reduction Plan, and webinars on net zero strategies.
Eligible businesses and organisations can access the programme without charge before January 2026 through funding from the UK government’s Shared Prosperity Fund. More details and applications can be found on the Powering Change website.
H2 Funding opportunities through South Midlands Growth Grant
The South Midlands Growth Hub has unveiled a £1.8 million programme, the South Midlands Growth Grant, aimed at helping small- and medium-sized businesses across Bedfordshire, Luton, Milton Keynes, and Northamptonshire grow and innovate.
Grants from £300 to £50,000 are available to fund innovation, adopt new technologies, and enhance sustainability measures. Businesses must submit an Expression of Interest by 5pm on 17th December 2025.
Details about the grant and application process are on the South Midlands Growth Hub website.
H2 Hi Street campaign
North Northamptonshire Council’s Hi Street campaign celebrates the diverse high streets and town centres within the area, aiming to encourage local shopping.
The campaign’s festive advert, showcasing local businesses and high streets, will launch at 4pm today on the council’s website and Hi Street social media channels.
Businesses can get involved by featuring in future promotional activities, joining marketing opportunities, and helping to highlight what makes North Northamptonshire unique. More details are available on the Hi Street page.
This campaign is supported by the Shared Prosperity Fund.
H2 Free festive parking
To support local businesses during the Christmas season, North Northamptonshire Council is offering free parking in Kettering and Corby town centres on 6th, 13th, and 20th December 2025.
The free parking applies to all council-run pay and display car parks in Kettering and Corby, except Corby railway station car park.
In Wellingborough, the Commercial Way multi-storey car park will stay open until 10pm each day from 1st December through to the end of The Castle Theatre's pantomime season.
Cllr Jan O’Hara, Executive Member for Planning and Economic Growth, said:
“Small Business Saturday is an important reminder of the role small businesses play in our local economy. Our focus is on giving businesses the tools and opportunities they need, from free carbon reduction support and guidance to our Hi Street campaign promoting our small businesses, and signposting to funding opportunities like the South Midlands Growth Grant. These initiatives are about helping businesses adapt, grow and thrive into the future.”