Funding & support resources

Join the 91,000+ young people we’ve helped to start a business.

Fully funded, short, online business start-up and self-employment courses

Digitalising our Town Centres (DTC) support is available to town centre retail businesses from across Gateshead, aiming to increase and improve digital skills within businesses.

A programme of support to help you start your business in County Durham.

The Business Academy’s live events and on-demand videos connect you with expert support and help you master new skills for your business.

Innovate UK KTN exists to connect innovators with new partners and new opportunities beyond their existing thinking – accelerating ambitious ideas into real-world solutions.

The ICAEW Business Advice Service (BAS) provides a free consultation to businesses seeking trusted business advice.

SHINE is a new initiative from the North East Combined Authority recognising employers who lead with fairness, opportunity and respect. It’s more than accreditation – it’s a movement to make work better for everyone.

The SME Climate Hub is a non-profit global initiative that empowers small to medium sized companies to take climate action and build resilient businesses for the future.

ToNetZero gives employees and business owners access to training and one-to-one support to help them join the North East’s drive to reach net zero.

The UK Export Academy (UKEA) from the Department for Business and Trade (DBT) is a free training programme for UK businesses of all sizes looking to grow their international sales.

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

The North East Business Resilience Centre are a police-led, not for profit organisation providing 24/7 support to small and medium businesses, our trusted Centre forms a partnership network to protect businesses from risk.

The Durham University SME Information Hub provides information and guidance on how the Career Service can help you engage with students and harness the best talent to take your business forward.

The Digital Pathfinders Digital Tech Resilience Grant is now available to Newcastle-based businesses.

A business start up programme delivered by the TEDCO Business Support on behalf of South Tyneside Council, which aims to support local residents with their aspirations to start up a business.