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Start-up Toolkit

If you have a great business idea and you’re ready to start your own company, this toolkit will provide all information, help and support you need to get started.

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Need a hand to get started?

Don’t know where to start? Check out these resources that are designed for people with a great idea that need a bit of support to make it reality.

Free start-up guides

These guides from the British Business Bank are full of practical tips and examples- from advice on conducting market research, to analysing your strengths and weaknesses, to finding more customers online.

Download the guides

Forbes Advisor start-up resources

The Forbes Advisor Start-up resources walk you through ten crucial steps of the start-up process, from defining your initial idea to registering, launching and growing your business.

Find out more

Government Start-up Loans

Find out more about the British Business Bank's start-up loans.

Find out more

Google Digital Garage

Free, online courses from Google to help you grow your business. 

Take a look

Start-up insights

Be inspired by more start-up stories

Talk to one of our team who will help you connect to the support you need to grow and develop your business.

if your local authority isn't listed above, you can view details of how to get in touch with your local LEP

Schemes

Find out more about the start-up schemes on offer across the region.

Wray Forward Programme

Launched in 2021, Wray Forward is a free and inclusive programme built to nurture the foundations of the entrepreneurial community.
Finance & funding Grant Business support Start-up Trading business Newcastle upon Tyne Sunderland County Durham Gateshead South Tyneside North Tyneside Northumberland Finance Leadership
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Pathways to Funding

Growing inclusive funding opportunities for business
Finance & funding Start-up Trading business Newcastle upon Tyne North Tyneside Northumberland Finance
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Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund II – Equity Finance

As part of the Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund II Maven are offering Equity finance up to £5 million for ambitious businesses located across the North East of England.
Finance & funding Equity Start-up Trading business Newcastle upon Tyne Sunderland County Durham Gateshead South Tyneside North Tyneside Northumberland Finance
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Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund II – Smaller Loans

As part of the Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund II NEL are offering Smaller Loans from £25,000 to £100,000
Finance & funding Loan Start-up Trading business Newcastle upon Tyne Sunderland County Durham Gateshead South Tyneside North Tyneside Northumberland Finance
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Hartree Centre - Collaborative Data Projects

These collaborative data projects are up to 12 weeks in duration and give you access to a fully-funded, wide range of expertise across a team of data scientists and data engineers.
Business support Start-up Trading business Newcastle upon Tyne Sunderland County Durham Gateshead South Tyneside North Tyneside Northumberland Products and services
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Esports Business Cluster

The Esports Business Cluster (the first and only in the UK) aims to create and support businesses already actively working or seeking to work within the esports sector.
Business support Start-up Trading business Sunderland People and skills Products and services
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Wear Together Initiative

Wear Together provides social entrepreneurs in Sunderland with access to business support and grants assisting them with start, development, and growth of social businesses.
Finance & funding Grant Business support Start-up Trading business Sunderland Finance Operations
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AXA Startup Angel

Helping entrepreneurs make their business dreams a reality. Win £25,000 startup funding to kick-start your business.
Finance & funding Grant Business support Start-up Newcastle upon Tyne Sunderland County Durham Gateshead South Tyneside North Tyneside Northumberland Finance
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