Grants, loans, investment and support programmes for businesses in Leeds, Yorkshire and the North of England. Leeds and West Yorkshire come first. Pick your area to see only what is open to you.
For the North East, the North West or the whole North of England.
Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council
Business engagement service of Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council, providing support to businesses at every stage, from pre-start and start-up through to established companies and inward investors.
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.
North East Regional Defence and Security Cluster (NE RDSC)
A regional defence and security cluster that offers networking events, capability showcases, connections and support accessing funding, contracts and new markets to members. Membership is open to North East organisations, UK-based organisations outside the region, and government and funding bodies as strategic partners.
TEDCO Business Support
A bespoke one-to-one session with an expert business advisor, followed by bespoke sessions or workshops on a chosen area of focus, for high-growth trading businesses wanting to grow. Delivered by TEDCO Business Support Limited.
Northumberland Council
A scheme that champions Northumberland's food, drink and hospitality businesses that grow, make or serve products in the county. Members can use the official Taste of Northumberland logo and access events, campaigns and promotional opportunities.
European Franchise Federation
The European Franchise Federation is a not-for-profit association that promotes the franchise industry in Europe and runs a European Code of Ethics for Franchising. It also hosts free online events and webinars.
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.
Business Enterprise Fund
Business Enterprise Fund (BEF) is a not-for-profit social enterprise providing flexible loans to SMEs across the North East and Yorkshire when mainstream lenders cannot fully assist. Start-up loans range from £500 to £25,000, and unsecured growth loans go up to £250,000.
Sunderland Software City
Project shaping the future of immersive technology in the North East of England.
Sunderland Software City
Helps organisations understand and access technology to grow.
Sunderland Software City
Access to experts and resources to build a tech startup.
Centre for Sustainable Innovation, University of Salford (with GM Business Growth Hub
A free three-day workshop for Greater Manchester SMEs with an innovation or R&D project ready for its next stage, covering market research, design sprints and advice on finding more funding. Businesses that qualify can then get help applying for technical assistance from an expert.
Made Smarter North West
A fully funded programme for operational Made Smarter Digital Champions who help lead changes and support teams to adopt new technology.
Hartree Centre, Sunderland Software City
Fully funded support for SMEs to access advanced digital technologies, delivered through the Hartree Centre North East hub.
Sunderland Software City
Helps founders understand and access grants, funding and investment, run by Sunderland Software City.
Made Smarter North West
A funded programme for senior leaders and managers in SMEs, mixing online and face-to-face sessions on digital strategy, identifying priorities and where digital tools can help.
Health Innovation Network
The NHS innovation network that works with healthcare organisations and businesses to spread innovation within the NHS and social care.
RTC North, Scale-up North East
Bespoke coaching, mentoring, consultancy and workshops for ambitious businesses, including start-ups, that are scaling or can show significant growth potential.
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.