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.
Forbes Advisor start-up resources
The Forbes Advisor Start-up resources walk you through ten crucial steps of the start-up process, from defining your initial idea to registering, launching and growing 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.
InclusionWorks - Inclusivity training for North East employers
Build a more inclusive workplace Fully funded support for North East employers
Business support
Start-up
Trading business
Newcastle upon Tyne
Sunderland
County Durham
Gateshead
South Tyneside
North Tyneside
Northumberland
People and skills
Women in Innovation Awards 2025/26
Women founders or co-founders with UK registered businesses at the late stage start-up phase can apply for a grant of up to £75,000 and bespoke business support, to further their ambitious growth plans.
Finance & funding
Grant
Start-up
Trading business
Newcastle upon Tyne
Sunderland
County Durham
Gateshead
South Tyneside
North Tyneside
Northumberland
Finance
The North East Fund
Funding for companies based in Northumberland, Tyne & Wear and County Durham
Finance & funding
Equity
Grant
Loan
Business support
Start-up
Trading business
Newcastle upon Tyne
Sunderland
County Durham
Gateshead
South Tyneside
North Tyneside
Northumberland
Finance
North East Regional Defence and Security Cluster (NE RDSC)
Driving opportunity and innovation for North East SMEs
Business support
Start-up
Trading business
Newcastle upon Tyne
Sunderland
County Durham
Gateshead
South Tyneside
North Tyneside
Northumberland
Business Enterprise Fund
Flexible business loans to start and grow your business
Finance & funding
Loan
Start-up
Trading business
Newcastle upon Tyne
Sunderland
County Durham
Gateshead
South Tyneside
North Tyneside
Northumberland
Start a new co‑op
Access a step by step guide to starting a co‑op and register your co‑op with our online registration tool.
Business support
Start-up
Newcastle upon Tyne
Sunderland
County Durham
Gateshead
South Tyneside
North Tyneside
Northumberland
Jumpstart
A 6-week programme designed to help you create a marketing plan for your small business.
Business support
Start-up
Trading business
Newcastle upon Tyne
Sunderland
County Durham
Gateshead
South Tyneside
North Tyneside
Northumberland
Customers
North East Freelance Network
Connect, learn, and thrive. The membership connects you to freelancers who get it. No spam. No gimmicks. Just real growth.
Business support
Start-up
Trading business
Newcastle upon Tyne
Sunderland
County Durham
Gateshead
South Tyneside
North Tyneside
Northumberland