Funding & support resources

Gateshead BIG is a brand new programme, delivered exclusively by Smarta, for established companies based in Gateshead that have ambitions to scale-up their operations.

Access expertise and knowledge for your business from four of the region’s world-class universities, through Arrow.

Support designed to help individuals looking to start their own business or in the early stage of trading.

Alongside the Durham Business Growth programme, eligible businesses in rural County Durham can access additional support through the Rural Growth Programme, funded by the North East Mayoral Strategic Authority.

Gateshead's rural businesses can now access free, specialist business support through the North East Rural Growth Programme - a new three‑year programme running from April 2026 to March 2029.

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.

Help to Grow: Management is a practical 12-week training programme for senior leaders in SMEs, providing key skills to help businesses innovate and drive future growth.

Police CyberAlarm helps organisations identify known vulnerabilities and understand suspicious and potentially malicious activity targeting them from the internet.