Funding & support resources

Whether you want to set up your own new business through franchising, or you want to grow an existing brand by franchising to others, the BFA is your trusted partner.

Food and Drink North East (FADNE) is a community interest company (CIC) made up of local business owners and experts who understand the challenges the food, drink and hospitality sectors face and are working together to address them.

Start-up Loans has partnered with The Open University to create a range of free courses for entrepreneurs.

With our rich history of inventiveness and community spirit, we aim to combine citizen insights, business knowledge and design thinking to establish the North of Tyne region as an international leader in innovation for the Internet of Caring Things market

The Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses UK programme is designed to provide high-quality, practical education and business support to leaders of high-growth small businesses and social enterprises across the country.

A range of specialist services and facilities to support your business needs, helping you find innovative solutions to real-world challenges.

Access to a variety of services and benefits such as research, training, business advice, graduate and student interns and world class facilities.

Constructing Excellence in the North East is the regional partner to Constructing Excellence, the single organisation charged with driving the change agenda in construction, housing and regeneration.

NEPIC is an award winning membership organisation working with the chemical-using industries in the North East of England.

The North East’s largest and most influential business membership network.

The largest not-for-profit tech sector business membership organisation in the North East.

Rising Stars is Tech Nation’s pitch competition for early-stage tech startups.

The Sunderland Skills and Inclusion Programme (SSIP) offers Sunderland businesses and employees the opportunity to access fully-funded courses spanning a range of subject specialisms and disciplines.

Access tailored support from industry experts to grow your business internationally through digital, including ecommerce.

Access startup support and accelerate growth for your tech business

Connect, learn, and thrive. The membership connects you to freelancers who get it.​ No spam. No gimmicks. Just real growth.