I stumbled upon the BIPC quite by accident, when my self-employed hairdresser told me about a grant that was available for start-up businesses in Northamptonshire.

I looked into the criteria and realised that the grant application process was very in-depth, and I had to meet very rigid criteria but support was available to help with the process. At the time, I was a brand-new business, I had barely finished my training, and had only conducted a handful of ceremonies, I felt quite overwhelmed and had no idea how to write a business plan -but I knew how I would spend any grant money! So, I became very focused on working with BIPC Northampton and they were amazing! There was a whole mass of support available, with both on-line and in-person workshops, 1:1 meetings, and access to so much material via the library service -and most importantly, it was all free!!! (And what’s more, I still have access to all the BIPC materials and training and can ‘dip’ into these whenever I like!)

I subsequently applied for the grant and was one of the lucky 50% of applicants whose application was approved. So, then I got to enjoy spending all that money! I was able to purchase a new laptop and printer, buy hours with a web designer to build my fabulous colourful website, but my favourite purchase was the marketing wrap that was professionally designed and installed onto the tailgate of my car! I am absolutely thrilled with it – I just think of all that free advertising I am enjoying as I drive around Northamptonshire and beyond, when on my way to work with clients!

The team at BIPC have gone out of their way to support us, and thanks to them, I feel more confident. I have a better understanding of how to be a successful sole-trader and I have learnt about different aspects of running a business that I would not have otherwise considered.

In January 2025, I also got to enjoy a very special grant-winners networking meeting, it was here that I forged new business connections and I’m excited about plans to liaise with several of the other grant-winners as we move forward and develop our businesses together.

In the subsequent months, I have continued to access the BIPC’s free support and training, most recent was a ‘Learn at Lunch’ opportunity to learn more about marketing on Social Media, which was extremely informative. But I’ve signed up for more workshops -as they are a great way to keep up to date with changes that affect me as a small business.

There is currently another round of £2000 grants available for start-up business, (click here for more information, or to access their fabulous training and support)

Book a ceremony with me and experience for yourself the versatility of an Independent Celebrant.

I subsequently applied for the grant and was one of the lucky 50% of applicants whose application was approved. So, then I got to enjoy spending all that money! I was able to purchase a new laptop and printer, buy hours with a web designer to build my fabulous colourful website, but my favourite purchase was the marketing wrap that was professionally designed and installed onto the tailgate of my car! I am absolutely thrilled with it – I just think of all that free advertising I am enjoying as I drive around Northamptonshire and beyond, when on my way to work with clients!