Open to businesses in North East Combined Authority, including schemes for the wider region and the whole country.
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.
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.
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.
SCL Group
Fully funded online business start-up and self-employment courses for adults aged 19 and over exploring or starting a business.
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.
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.
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.
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.