Start-up Toolkit

If you have a great business idea and you’re ready to start your own company, this toolkit will provide all information, help and support you need to get started.

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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.

Download the guides

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.

Find out more

Government Start-up Loans

Find out more about the British Business Bank's start-up loans.

Find out more

Google Digital Garage

Free, online courses from Google to help you grow your business.

Take a look

Start-up insights

Why you don’t need to be an expert in everything to start a successful business

Janice Ross started work at 17, choosing a career over university. She built her knowledge gradually and eventually started her own marketing business, deliv...

From idea to reality: using the Business Model Canvas tool in a start-up business

Renée Fraser-Shepherd came up with the idea for her business, Sloobie Skiwear, while at university and used the Business Model Canvas to help develop her bus...

How a new music app connecting venues and fans is going from strength to strength after support from the North East Growth Hub

Three years ago, Matt Gray and Ben Kindlan created Gigco, an app which shows music fans all the live events happening near them. Now, with a core team of six...

Be inspired by more start-up stories

Talk to one of our team who will help you connect to the support you need to grow and develop your business.

Please confirm which local authority area the business operates from:

if your local authority isn't listed above, you can view details of how to get in touch with your local Growth Hub

Schemes

Find out more about the start-up schemes on offer across the region.

Start-up Idea of The Year

Apply for the Monzo x Enterprise Nation small business grant to win up to £10,000 and accelerate your business idea, product or growth strategy.

Finance & funding Grant Start-up Newcastle upon Tyne Sunderland County Durham Gateshead South Tyneside North Tyneside Northumberland

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Amazon Sustainability Accelerator

Are you a sustainable start-up looking to maximise your impact?

Finance & funding Grant Start-up Newcastle upon Tyne Sunderland County Durham Becoming Net Zero Gateshead South Tyneside North Tyneside Northumberland

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Deutsche Bank Awards for Creative Entrepreneurs

For 32 years the Deutsche Bank Awards for Creative Entrepreneurs has helped creatives bring their ideas and business goals to life.

Finance & funding Grant Business support Start-up Trading business Newcastle upon Tyne Sunderland County Durham Gateshead South Tyneside North Tyneside Northumberland Finance Leadership

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Sunderland Software City Accelerate! Programme

Access startup support and accelerate growth for your tech business

Business support Start-up Newcastle upon Tyne Sunderland County Durham Gateshead South Tyneside North Tyneside Northumberland Leadership Markets

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SWEF Enterprise & Business Start Up Fund

Supporting young people in County Durham and Tees Valley grow their start ups

Finance & funding Grant Start-up County Durham Finance

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UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) Funding Finder

Search current funding opportunities from across UKRI, research councils and Innovate UK

Finance & funding Grant Loan Business support Start-up Trading business Newcastle upon Tyne Sunderland County Durham Gateshead South Tyneside North Tyneside Northumberland Finance

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North East Digital Technologies Launchpad

Helping innovative digital businesses across the North East to collaborate, commercialise and attract finance.

Business support Start-up Trading business Newcastle upon Tyne Sunderland County Durham Gateshead South Tyneside North Tyneside Northumberland Leadership Markets

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Green Seed Fund

Cranfield University Green Seed Fund gives entrepreneurs and start-ups access to capital, alongside advice and education from the Bettany Centre for Entrepreneurship to help scale their businesses.

Finance & funding Grant Loan Start-up Trading business Newcastle upon Tyne Sunderland County Durham Becoming Net Zero Gateshead South Tyneside North Tyneside Northumberland

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