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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.

Financial checks that every business should carry out when costs are rising

NEL Fund Managers has been established in the North East for 33 years and makes investments from £10,000 to half a million pounds in local businesses that have plans for growth. CEO, Jonathan Luke, outlines some of the actions that businesses can take to help mitigate the impact of the current cost of living crisis.

For many businesses, the effects of Brexit, COVID, the war in Ukraine and the energy crisis have created a perfect storm, with rising costs of borrowing, supply chain issues and people and skills shortages.

It’s making it more difficult for many businesses to plan and continue with their growth plans. But there are things that businesses can do to put themselves in as strong a position as possible.

News and insights

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

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

Finance and funding schemes 

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

Technology Accelerator Fund

The Technology Accelerator Fund (TAF) at Cranfield University is enabled by a generous donation from Green Future Investments Ltd (GFIL).
Finance & funding Grant Newcastle upon Tyne Sunderland County Durham Gateshead South Tyneside North Tyneside Northumberland

Venture Sunderland Fund

Venture Sunderland provides investment for ambitious, high-growth companies at all stages.
Finance & funding Loan Sunderland Finance

Gateshead Business Sustainable Transport Grants

Gateshead Council are pleased to offer businesses in the Borough grants of up to £5000 to support initiatives to get staff and customers walking, cycling and using public transport- improving air quality and health across Gateshead.
Finance & funding Grant Trading business Gateshead Finance

North East Shared Success Fund

Unlocking Potential for Creative Businesses in the North East
Finance & funding Loan Business support Start-up Trading business Newcastle upon Tyne North Tyneside Northumberland Finance

Knowledge transfer partnerships (KTP): 2024 to 2025 round three

UK registered academic institutions, research and technology organisations (RTOs) or Catapults can apply for a share of up to £9 million to fund innovation projects with businesses or not for profits.
Finance & funding Grant Trading business Newcastle upon Tyne Sunderland County Durham Gateshead South Tyneside North Tyneside Northumberland

Eureka Disaster Resilience Programme Collaborative R&D 2024

UK registered organisations can apply for a share of up to £1 million to develop technologies in the field of Disaster Resilience, Response and Recovery, in partnership with organisations from participating Eureka countries.
Finance & funding Grant Trading business Newcastle upon Tyne Sunderland County Durham Gateshead South Tyneside North Tyneside Northumberland

Eureka Globalstars Japan round three

UK registered organisations can apply for a share of up to £2 million to develop Innovative proposals in partnership with Japan and other participating Eureka countries.
Finance & funding Grant Trading business Newcastle upon Tyne Sunderland County Durham Gateshead South Tyneside North Tyneside Northumberland

Sustainable medicines manufacturing: Expression of interest

Innovate UK, part of UK Research and Innovation, will work with the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) to invest up to £1 million in expression of interest (EoI) projects for Grand Challenges in sustainable medicines manufacturing.
Finance & funding Grant Trading business 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.

Business Brunch, South Tyneside Creatives

Calling all startups and existing businesses operating within South Tyneside’s Creative sector! Join the Business & IP Centre's Business Brunch on Tuesday 8...
  • Sea Change Café
  • Free
  • Finance & funding, Markets

Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund II - Northumberland Roadshow

Join British Business Bank for the Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund II - Northumberland Roadshow Event The new £660 million Northern Powerhouse Investmen...
  • The Alnwick Garden
  • Free
  • Finance & funding

Sunderland Business Festival

Sunderland Business Festival is a celebration of the dynamic businesses based in Sunderland. Taking place from 14-18 October 2024, this year's exciting line...
  • Various locations
  • Free
  • Finance & funding, People and skills, Markets