Open to businesses in County Durham, including schemes for the wider region and the whole country.
County Durham's page: people to ring, events nearby and what is only for County Durham
Internet of Caring Things, National Innovation Centre for Ageing
A 5-year innovation programme helping companies develop products and services for the ageing population using Internet of Caring Things technologies.
Health Innovation North East and North Cumbria
Support for SMEs and innovators to develop and market products to the NHS and care sectors, covering the entire innovation lifecycle.
University of Sunderland
University of Sunderland's Centre for Graduate Prospects helps employers access students and graduates for recruitment through vacancy advertising, profile raising and recruitment advice.
Bionow
Membership and business support for companies in the biomedical and life sciences sector, including accelerator programmes, networking events and knowledge sharing.
Northumberland National Park Authority
Expert guidance and practical support for farmers and land-based businesses across Northumberland and the North East Region to assist growth, resilience, and diversification opportunities.
Arrow, Arrow Innovation
Access to expertise and facilities from four universities for innovation projects including research and development, proof of concept, and data science support.
Ingeus
Free, fully funded training to help employers create a more inclusive workplace, covering topics such as diversity, disability confidence, mental health awareness and equality compliance.
North East Apprenticeship Ambassador Network
Free support for small businesses recruiting and managing apprentices, including guidance on the Digital Apprenticeship System, funding, training providers and recruitment.
UK Steel Enterprise
Business loans from UKSE for businesses in steel areas, at fixed interest rates: unsecured loans of up to £200,000 for a growing business, or up to £100,000 for a new one, and secured loans.
Maven Capital Partners
Flexible debt and equity funding from £150,000 to £2 million for businesses based in or relocating to County Durham, across all sectors.
North East Mayoral Strategic Authority, North East Growth Hub
Capital grants to help businesses in the North East automotive and EV supply chain invest in productivity, innovation and the transition to electrification. Backed by the Department for Business and Trade and delivered by the North East Mayoral Strategic Authority.
Northumberland Small Business Service
Targeted support for rural businesses and eligible individuals across rural Northumberland, County Durham and Gateshead to start, grow and become more resilient, including enterprise, growth, food and drink and farm business support.
North East Enterprise Agency Ltd (NEEAL)
Start-up support including fully-funded one-to-one advice, workshops and training for people starting a business in the North East.
North East Screen, North East Screen Industries Partnership
A regional screen agency providing funding, resources and support for filmmakers, producers and creative professionals to start and grow careers in the film and TV industry.
Business Durham
Support for businesses in all sectors in County Durham, including productivity advice, growth specialists, and grants for investment projects.
Durham, Newcastle, Northumbria, Sunderland, Teesside and York Universities, Northern Accelerator, North East Growth Hub
Support for academics and business leaders to create spin-out businesses from university research, including training, funding, investment and business growth support.
Durham University
Free vacancy advertising service for graduate jobs, internships, placements and work experience, plus in-person and online recruitment events throughout the year.
World Franchise Council, World Franchise Organisation
Access to a network of more than 40 national franchise associations worldwide, with information on franchising in member nations and international franchise exhibitions.
Start-up Loans, British Business Bank
Free courses from Start-up Loans and The Open University covering business essentials, digital skills, bookkeeping, climate and sustainability, mental health and wellbeing for entrepreneurs and would-be business owners.
North East Mayoral Strategic Authority
An employer accreditation and support initiative recognising organisations that lead with fairness, opportunity and respect through fair pay, secure work, inclusive practices and opportunities to grow.
North East Growth Hub, TEDCO Business Support
Fully funded one-to-one support for people starting a business in County Durham, including access to specialist advisors and resources.
SCL Group
Fully funded online business start-up and self-employment courses for adults aged 19 and over exploring or starting a business.
FW Capital
Loans of £50,000 or more to companies seeking to finance growth plans, with investment up to £1 million in more established businesses.
UK Steel Enterprise
Equity investment from UKSE for businesses in steel areas: up to £1 million on a first round for a growing business, or up to £250,000 for a new one. UKSE takes only minority stakes and rarely asks for personal guarantees.