Finance and Funding Toolkit

Sourcing finance and funding is a vital part of any business's growth journey, whether you’re a sole trader, SME or large business. This toolkit is designed to help you build the knowledge and confidence to apply for finance, identify where you can get finance and funding support in the region, and how you can raise other sources of income from grants, tax credits, loans and other products.

Useful resources  

Explore useful information about finance and funding below:

Find a grant

Explore grants available in our region.

Find a loan

Explore loans available in our region. 

Find equity investment

Explore equity investment available in our region.

New digital tool to support businesses with VAT registration

HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) has launched a digital tool to help non-VAT registered businesses estimate what registering for VAT may mean for them, and their profits.

The VAT Registration Estimator, which is available for free on gov.uk, has been designed to show businesses when their turnover could require them to register for VAT, and what the impact might be on profits.

A VAT-registered business must charge VAT on eligible sales and can usually reclaim it on eligible purchases. The VAT Registration Estimator lets businesses estimate what VAT might be owed or reclaimed when they register. It also links to further information about the registration process. 

News and insights

Finance and funding schemes 

Find out more about the finance and funding schemes on offer across the region.

Open Business Creators Fund for Women in Business

£50k sponsorship from NatWest to support ideas and early-stage businesses founded by women.
Finance & funding Grant Newcastle upon Tyne Sunderland County Durham Gateshead South Tyneside North Tyneside Northumberland

Growing Outdoors: The North East Outdoor Business Accelerator

Destination North East England is seeking ten businesses in the outdoor sport, adventure, conservation and wellness sectors that are ready to grow.
Finance & funding Business support Trading business Newcastle upon Tyne Sunderland County Durham Gateshead South Tyneside North Tyneside Northumberland

DRIVE35 Scale-up Fund

UK registered organisations can apply for a share of up to £150 million to create scale up manufacturing facilities for zero emission vehicle technologies.
Finance & funding Grant 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

QEST Traditional Craft Grant and Business Support

QEST offers three grants to support makers and conservators at various career stages, strengthening the pipeline of talented craft professionals in the UK.
Finance & funding Grant Newcastle upon Tyne Sunderland County Durham Gateshead South Tyneside North Tyneside Northumberland

Growth Guarantee Scheme (GGS)

Designed to support access to finance for UK smaller businesses as they look to invest and grow.
Finance & funding Loan Newcastle upon Tyne Sunderland County Durham Gateshead South Tyneside North Tyneside Northumberland

Creative Impact Grant

Shaping the skills and knowledge of our creative industries
Finance & funding Grant Newcastle upon Tyne Finance

Growth Impact Fund

Investing in... Your social mission. What makes you different. Growing your organisation.
Finance & funding Equity Newcastle upon Tyne Sunderland County Durham Gateshead South Tyneside North Tyneside Northumberland

Finance and funding events

Discover finance and funding events available throughout the region.