Need a hand to get started?
Don’t know where to start? Check out these resources that are designed for people with a great idea that need a bit of support to make it reality.
Free start-up guides
These guides from the British Business Bank are full of practical tips and examples- from advice on conducting market research, to analysing your strengths and weaknesses, to finding more customers online.
Business Academy
If you’re starting out, Business Academy’s live events and on-demand videos connect you with expert support and help you master new skills for your business.
Government Start-up Loans
Find out more about the British Business Bank's start-up loans.
Grow with Google
Free, online courses from Google to help you grow your business.
Schemes
Find out more about the start-up schemes on offer across the region.
Enterprising Durham Start Up
A programme of support to help you start your business in County Durham.
Business support
Start-up
County Durham
Enterprising North Start Up
A programme of support to help you start your business in North Tyneside, Northumberland, Newcastle or Gateshead. This project is funded by North East Mayor Kim McGuinness and The North East Mayoral Strategic Authority.
Business support
Start-up
Newcastle upon Tyne
Gateshead
North Tyneside
Northumberland
Female Founder Fundamentals with Small Business Britain & Starling
Join Small Business Britain and Starling for a transformative six-week online series designed to equip women with the skills, mindset, and momentum to grow their businesses.
Business support
Start-up
Newcastle upon Tyne
Sunderland
County Durham
Gateshead
South Tyneside
North Tyneside
Northumberland
Operations
Sovereign AI
Fund for early stage AI start ups. More information coming soon.
Finance & funding
Start-up
Business Academy
The Business Academy’s live events and on-demand videos connect you with expert support and help you master new skills for your business.
Business support
Start-up
Trading business
Newcastle upon Tyne
Sunderland
County Durham
Becoming Net Zero
Gateshead
South Tyneside
North Tyneside
Northumberland
Customers
Finance
Leadership
Markets
People and skills
Products and services
Operations
Kick Off in Business
Fully funded, short, online business start-up and self-employment courses
Business support
Start-up
Newcastle upon Tyne
Sunderland
County Durham
Gateshead
South Tyneside
North Tyneside
Northumberland
UK Defence Innovation (UKDI)
Defence and security advantage through innovation
Finance & funding
Grant
Business support
Start-up
Trading business
Newcastle upon Tyne
Sunderland
County Durham
Gateshead
South Tyneside
North Tyneside
Northumberland
Finance
Markets
The SWEF Enterprise Fund Start-up Grant
Start-up grants for young people and their emerging businesses
Finance & funding
Grant
Start-up
Newcastle upon Tyne
Sunderland
Gateshead
South Tyneside
North Tyneside
Northumberland
Finance