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
FW Capital
A £20 million fund offering development loans from £250,000 to £2 million to SME house builders, construction and property development companies for residential and non-speculative commercial development projects in the North East.
SWEF
Grants of up to £500 for pre-revenue businesses or up to £2,000 for established businesses, for young people aged 18–30 living in County Durham or Tees Valley.
Big Issue Invest
Repayable finance of £30,000 to £400,000 for socially trading organisations with strong social impact goals struggling to secure affordable finance elsewhere.
FW Capital
A £35 million commercial property fund providing loans of £1 million to £7 million to construction companies and property developers for development projects in the North East.
Business Durham
Business support and advice service for Durham County Council, offering tailored help with starting, growing or relocating a business in County Durham, including finance advice and premises.
FIRST
A course for people ready to launch or grow a business, covering business planning, marketing, customer service, negotiation and pitching. It leads to an SFEDI accreditation through workbooks and has online or in-person sessions.
FIRST
A course for people exploring self-employment or a career change, covering networking, the risks and rewards of starting a business, and workbooks that lead to an SFEDI accreditation. It is offered by FIRST, with in-person or online sessions.
FIRST
A free course with practical workshops on public speaking, pitching, market research and networking, plus a 1:1 review call and a certificate. It is offered by FIRST to people before they start a business or apply for jobs.
Health Innovation North East and North Cumbria
Health Innovation North East and North Cumbria supports the health and care system to accelerate innovation which improves people's health and the regional economy. It works with NHS Trusts, universities and industry to identify, evaluate, adopt and disseminate innovation.
FIRST
An accredited learning and development agency offering enterprise skills support for students, graduates, jobseekers, early stage founders and entry level staff, including workshops, courses, network events and pitching competitions.
North East Process Industry Cluster (NEPIC), NEPIC
NEPIC is a membership organisation for companies in the chemical-using industries in the North East of England, offering events, mentoring, promotion and industry championing. It is run by industry and aims to help member companies grow.
Health Innovation Network
The NHS innovation network that works with healthcare organisations and businesses to spread innovation within the NHS and social care.
North East Chamber of Commerce
A membership launched in 2025 to help early-stage businesses build foundations, make connections and grow, with members-only events, networking and funding advice.
Digital Catapult, Digital Catapult North East Tees Valley (NETV)
Innovation support from Digital Catapult North East Tees Valley to help businesses explore and adopt advanced digital technologies, including fully-funded innovation residentials, workshops, one-to-one coaching and open innovation challenges. Open to startups and large businesses.
Design Network North
Workshops and research methodologies to help business owners design better products and reach new customers. Membership of Design Network North offers access to workshops, expert advice, events and mailshots.
Newcastle University
A range of specialist services and facilities, including research, consultancy, clinical trials, studentships, equipment and Business Innovation Centres, to help businesses find solutions to real-world challenges.
Guidance for employers on cycle to work schemes.
Durham County Council
A UK Government-funded grant for new retail, hospitality and leisure businesses across the county, to help with costs in the first six months of trading.
Durham County Council
An interest free loan to encourage purchase or significant improvement of retail premises across the county, for vacant or derelict property.
Durham County Council
A non repayable grant for businesses in County Durham to improve premises, support new businesses into premises, or bring derelict or underused retail space back into use.
Durham County Council
A range of business grants and loans for businesses in the County Durham in the retail, hospitality and leisure sectors.
Franchise Angels
Investment in proven businesses with strong branding to support rapid growth via franchising, with comprehensive support and exit strategy assistance.
Sunderland Software City
Programmes that help people explore opportunities to start or advance a tech career.
A complete technology solution for an e-Procurement value chain.