Funding & support resources

Venture Sunderland provides investment for ambitious, high-growth companies at all stages.

The Key Fund invests in incorporated Community and Social Enterprises that have traditionally been excluded and turned down by mainstream lenders; particularly those in disadvantaged areas.

Debt and equity finance for businesses based in or looking to relocate to County Durham.

A £20 million fund offering development funding to SME house builders, construction and property development companies

Eligible homes and businesses can apply for up to £4,500 to cover the costs of a gigabit-capable connection.

Through the North East Culture and Creative Investment Programme, funded by the North East Mayoral Strategic Authority, Creative UK are investing £500,000 through equity finance in the region’s cultural and creative industries.

UK registered micro and small businesses can apply for a share of up to £500,000 to develop adoptable and investable innovations within communication networks. This funding is from the Telecoms Technology Missions Fund programme.

The Life Sciences Innovative Manufacturing Fund supports businesses investing in life sciences manufacturing projects in the UK.

Designed to support access to finance for UK smaller businesses as they look to invest and grow.

Working with UKSE gives you more than just finance. Benefit from the support and knowledge of people who have been there before.

A £35 million commercial property fund that supports developers in the North East.

Growing inclusive funding opportunities for business

This grant programme will help local growing businesses to access high quality external expertise to deliver business improvement projects.

The Energy Resilience Fund is an initiative assisting community businesses in retrofitting their buildings with energy-saving measures.

Cranfield University Green Seed Fund gives entrepreneurs and start-ups access to capital, alongside advice and education from the Bettany Centre for Entrepreneurship to help scale their businesses.

The Flexible Finance Fund by the Social Investment Business, The Ubele Initiative, and Create Equity offers a blend of grants and loans to Black and Racially Minoritised-led charities and social enterprises in England.