North East Culture and Creative Investment - Loans

Through the North East Culture and Creative Investment Programme, funded by the North East Combined Authority, we are investing £750,000 in loans in the region’s cultural and creative industries.

They are looking for for commercially viable, growth-minded businesses that are innovative, operate in the creative and cultural sectors, and are able to deliver meaningful impact in the region.

The loan offer

• Loans of between £50,000 – £150,000 (we may consider amounts outside this range in exceptional cases)  
• Interest rates of 5-8%, based on risk profile
• No management fees or early repayment charges
• Secured by debenture, no personal guarantees
• Flexible repayment terms up to a maximum of 5 years  

Eligibility

The criteria for applying for investment is that businesses should be:  

• Post-revenue, with an annual turnover of at least £100k
• Operating in the North East Combined Authority region (Newcastle, North Tyneside, South Tyneside, Sunderland, Gateshead, County Durham and Northumberland)
• Operating in the cultural or creative industries  
• Registered on Companies House with at least one year of filed accounts
• Investment ready – able to provide management accounts, a business plan, an integrated financial model and other application materials  
• Able to demonstrate ability to service the loan
• Able to demonstrate a case for meeting the wider aims of the programme 

How to apply

Take the time to read the Guidelines and FAQs before applying for equity investment.

Apply here