Skip to content
An image

Finance and Funding Toolkit

Sourcing finance and funding is a vital part of any businesses’ growth journey; whether you’re a sole trader, SME or large business. This toolkit is designed to help you build the knowledge and confidence to apply for finance, identify where you can get finance and funding support in the region, and how you can raise other sources of income from grants, tax credits, loans and other products.

Useful resources  

Explore useful information about finance and funding below:

Find a grant

Explore grants available in our region.

Find a loan

Explore loans available in our region. 

Find equity investment

Explore equity investment available in our region.

Financial checks that every business should carry out when costs are rising

NEL Fund Managers has been established in the North East for 33 years and makes investments from £10,000 to half a million pounds in local businesses that have plans for growth. CEO, Jonathan Luke, outlines some of the actions that businesses can take to help mitigate the impact of the current cost of living crisis.

For many businesses, the effects of Brexit, COVID, the war in Ukraine and the energy crisis have created a perfect storm, with rising costs of borrowing, supply chain issues and people and skills shortages.

It’s making it more difficult for many businesses to plan and continue with their growth plans. But there are things that businesses can do to put themselves in as strong a position as possible.

News and insights

Spring Budget 2023

On Wednesday 14 March, Chancellor of the Exchequer, the Rt Hon Jeremy Hunt MP, delivered the Spring Budget, which focused on four key priorities: Employmen...

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

Finance and funding schemes 

Find out more about the finance and funding schemes on offer across the region.

Digital Twin Energy Grids

UK registered businesses can apply for a share of up to £1.2 million for collaborative projects that enable digital twins, data interoperability and cyber resilience in the UK energy networks. This funding is from Innovate UK.
Finance & funding Grant Newcastle upon Tyne Sunderland County Durham Gateshead South Tyneside North Tyneside Northumberland

Smart Shipping Acceleration Fund

UK registered organisations can apply for a share of up to £8 million for innovative smart shipping technologies for maritime decarbonisation. This funding is from the Department for Transport (DfT).
Finance & funding Grant Trading business Newcastle upon Tyne Sunderland County Durham Gateshead South Tyneside North Tyneside Northumberland Finance

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

Pathways to Funding

Growing inclusive funding opportunities for business
Finance & funding Start-up Trading business Newcastle upon Tyne North Tyneside Northumberland Finance

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

Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund II – Debt Finance

As part of the Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund II NEL are offering Debt Finance from £100,000 to £2m
Finance & funding Loan Trading business Newcastle upon Tyne Sunderland County Durham Gateshead South Tyneside North Tyneside Northumberland Finance

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

Innovate UK innovation loans future economy

UK registered businesses can apply for loans for innovative projects with strong commercial potential to significantly improve the UK economy.
Finance & funding Loan Trading business Newcastle upon Tyne Sunderland County Durham Gateshead South Tyneside North Tyneside Northumberland Leadership