Council highlights free support for local businesses ahead of Small Business Saturday
Supporting your business04 December 2025
This weekend marks Small Business Saturday, a national campaign that shines a spotlight on the vital role small businesses play in our communities and encourages people to shop local. With this in mind, North Northamptonshire Council is highlighting the wide range of support currently available to help local businesses grow and succeed.
Free carbon reduction support
North Northamptonshire Council is offering free support to help local businesses and community organisations reduce energy use and lower carbon emissions.
Support includes:
- A carbon footprint calculation tool
- Guidance to develop a Carbon Reduction Plan
- Webinars on net zero and strategic planning
Whether you’re just starting out or already making progress, this initiative is designed to help you take meaningful steps toward a cleaner, more sustainable future.
You can find more information and apply for support on the Powering Change website.
*Free before January 2026.
This project is funded by the UK government through the Shared Prosperity Fund.
Funding opportunities – South Midlands Growth Grant
The South Midlands Growth Hub has launched the South Midlands Growth Grant, a £1.8 million programme to accelerate SME growth, drive innovation and support decarbonisation ambitions.
Grants of £300 to £50,000 are available for businesses across Bedfordshire, Luton, Milton Keynes and Northamptonshire to invest in innovation, adopt new technologies and enhance green credentials.
Expressions of Interest must be submitted by 5pm on 17 December 2025.
Full details can be found on the South Midlands Growth Hub website.
Hi Street Campaign
North Northamptonshire Council’s Hi Street campaign, celebrates the fantastic businesses North Northamptonshire is home to. The campaign raises awareness of the area’s diverse high streets, town centres and beyond, encouraging people to shop and support local.
The campaign is launching a festive advert celebrating the magic of our local high streets and the small businesses that make our towns special. While big-brand campaigns dominate screens, this advert reminds residents that the true magic of Christmas is right on their doorstep. The advert will go live at 4pm today on the Hi Street social media channels and on the council website.
If you’re a local business and would like to get involved in the Hi Street campaign, there are lots of ways to take part. Businesses can feature in future marketing activity, join promotional opportunities, and help showcase what makes our high streets unique.
Find out more over on the Hi Street page and follow the campaign on Facebook and Instagram.
This project is funded by the UK government through the Shared Prosperity Fund.
Free Festive Parking
As part of the Christmas festivities, and to support local businesses, North Northamptonshire Council will be offering free parking in Kettering and Corby town centres on the following Saturdays:
- 6 December
- 13 December
- 20 December
This applies to all council pay and display car parks in Kettering and Corby town centres, excluding Corby railway station car park.
Also in Wellingborough, the Commercial Way multi-storey car park will remain open until 10pm from 1 December through to the end of the pantomime season at The Castle Theatre.
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.Cllr Jan O’Hara, Executive Member for Planning and Economic Growth.
For more information on business support, visit the Supporting your business page.