Open to businesses in Sunderland, including schemes for the wider region and the whole country.
Sunderland's page: people to ring, events nearby and what is only for Sunderland
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.
University of Sunderland
Fully-funded training courses for Sunderland businesses and employees, from one-day masterclasses to accredited courses, with bespoke options available.
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.
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.
UMi
A £3.5 million UK Shared Prosperity Fund programme supporting business growth in Gateshead, Newcastle, North Tyneside, Northumberland and Sunderland.
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.
Venture Sunderland, Northstar Ventures
Investment for ambitious, high-growth companies at all stages in technology, advanced manufacturing, creative and green industries based in or establishing in the Sunderland city region.
NBSL
Grant funding up to 40% of project costs between £3,000 and £6,000 for trading SMEs in Sunderland to access external expertise for business improvement projects.
Enterprising Sunderland
40% grant towards innovative projects valued between £5,000 and £25,000 for trading businesses based in Sunderland.
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.