Preparing to apply for the Build Your Business 2.0 start-up grant
- Business & IP Centre Northamptonshire
- Jul 3
- 3 min read
If you're a new business owner in Northamptonshire, the Build Your Business 2.0 start-up grant could be the opportunity to kickstart your next phase of growth. Applications are competitive, so being prepared before you start is key.
This blog post gives you:
A clear overview of who’s eligible
A checklist of essential documents
A full preview of the application questions
Helpful tips to make the application process smoother
Who can apply?
To be eligible for the Build Your Business 2.0 grant, your business must meet all of the following criteria:
Be registered and trading in Northamptonshire
Be less than one year old on the date of application deadline
Have attended a minimum of three BIPC Northamptonshire Build Your Business sessions after 31 October 2024 and before the application deadline, and have submitted feedback forms for each
Complete and submit all required documentation before the deadline using the official online application form
Apply by Midday on Friday 25 July 2025
Full terms and conditions, application link and supporting documents: Visit the Build Your Business 2.0 page >
What you’ll need
Before you begin your application:
Complete a cashflow forecast. Download our cashflow forecast template (excel)
Have a record of your attendance at 3+ Build Your Business 2.0 session (check dates and confirm feedback forms were submitted)
Draft answers to application questions (see below)
Preview of application questions
Section 1 – Applicant details
Basic personal and business contact information.
Section 2 – All about you
Tell us your reasons for starting and running your own business.
What are your personal passions and motivations to make the business succeed? Why are you the best person to be leading this business? What key skills/experience do you have What key skills are missing and how will your business bridge the gap?
Max 400 words
Section 3 – Business overview
What does your business do?
Please provide an overview of your core business; include a summary of your business’ objectives and activities, the market (customers and competitors), and financial business model.
Include your market research findings.
Max 500 words
Section 4 – Legal considerations
Are there any key legal requirements that you need to meet?
For example; insurance cover, business trading regulations, intellectual property, and legal structure (sole trader / limited company / partnership / Community Interest Company) etc.
Max 250 words
Section 5 – Financials, risks and sensitivities
You must upload a one-year cashflow forecast and include a detailed commentary of your cashflow forecast, explaining the rationale behind the estimates and any areas where you feel the business may be vulnerable.
Key considerations: How much money does the business need to make to pay you the required wage? Does the cashflow identify the nature of potential returns? Are the financial forecasts realistic?
Section 6 – Quotes
List the goods and/or services that you would like to purchase using the grant funds.
Please provide a quotation from the chosen supplier showing:
The supplier’s name / address
A description of the purchase (what it is you are purchasing – can be goods or services)
The quoted purchase price
Remember: Include a quotation for every item!
Section 7 – Business details
Fill in all of the relevant information for your business.
You will need your company registration information, please have your Company Registration number or a Self- Employed Unique Taxpayer Reference number ready!
Ensure you have attended 3 events and completed 3 feedback forms as a minimum.
Final tips
To save your progress and return to your application form later, click “My Account” in the top-right corner of the site and set up a customer account before you start your application.
Make sure you have all the required documents, draft answers and your business information ready to hand
Need support? Contact the BIPC Northamptonshire team for help at bipc@westnorthants.gov.uk
Good luck with your application!
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