Enterprising Sunderland

Enterprising Sunderland is a project designed to unlock the potential of future entrepreneurs within our communities and to support businesses from all sectors to grow and innovate.

Starting a Business: Delivered by a consortium of partners working together to inspire residents to consider self-employment and provide opportunities for everyone to access free 1:1 tailored advice, workshops and online resources. Visit Smarta for details of Enterprising Sunderland eLearning programmes.

Growth Lab Sunderland: a series of monthly events where local business owners share insights on how they overcame the common challenges of growing a business. Participants also benefit from practical expertise to design a bespoke innovation and growth roadmap.  

Business Growth through Innovation: Innovation grant support for businesses who want grow by developing a product, process or service new to the business or new to the market.  Open to businesses, with less than 250 employees, based in commercial premises in Sunderland local authority area.

Enterprising Sunderland is delivered on behalf of Sunderland City Council. It is funded by the UK government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.

Eligibility: Pre-starts and startups in Sunderland only