Ready, steady, grow

Helping you start and develop your business in County Durham.

Do you want to know how to set up your own business? Have you got a great business idea and want to develop it? Have you already started your business but need help growing it? Or are you looking for help with building your next venture?

Whatever stage your business is at, Durham Start-ups will help you find the information you need.

From ideas to ambitious start-ups

Bright Ideas

Coming up with a bright idea is the first step in starting a business and becoming your own boss.

Explore our resources for new business ideas

Developing Your Business Idea

Now that you have your idea, find out what you need to do before starting your business.

Develop your business idea with our guidance and information

Up and Running

If you’ve just started your business, explore our useful resources and information to help you grow.

Build your new business with our help

Ambitious Growth

Does your business have the potential to grow fast and scale up? Fast growth presents its own unique challenges.

Explore key programmes and resources for business growth

DABS Festival of Enterprise - October 2021

The DABS Festival of Enterprise is back for 2021 – and this time we are live at the Xcel Centre in Newton Aycliffe on 21st October.

The DABS Festival of Enterprise has been carefully created to help ambitious entrepreneurs take the next steps on their business journey.

Whether you are thinking of starting your own business, or are already in business, this event will be packed full of helpful advice from our expert line-up of seasoned entrepreneurs, business leaders, industry experts and thought-leaders.

Find out more about the DABS Festival of Enterprise

Insightful resources to help your business thrive

All businesses benefit from support and guidance, whether they’re just getting started or looking to expand.

We’ve collated top tips from a number of successful business owners in County Durham so you can learn from those who’ve already been there and done it.

If you need some information about a particular stage of business development, we have a pool of resources and blogs to help you overcome your challenges.

Explore our business resources

Free information guides

Are you looking for reliable and practical information to support the development of your business? Do you have a specific business challenge you need guidance on?

The Durham Start-ups portal has a range of factsheets and guides from COBWEB to help you start, run and grow your business – whatever your idea or sector.

Create your account

Latest business news and events

Events

November DABS Social Live and Learn Networking Event

20/09/2021

Join us on Thursday 11th November from 5pm at the Steam Machine Brewing Company, Newton Aycliffe for our next live DABS […]

Read this post: November DABS Social Live and Learn Networking Event

Announcements

Festival of Enterprise returns to inspire County Durham entrepreneurs

01/09/2021

The DABS Festival of Enterprise returns for its second year on 21 October, 2021 and is now open for registration. […]

Read this post: Festival of Enterprise returns to inspire County Durham entrepreneurs

DABS

Mission completely possible for brewer with DABS business support

04/08/2021

Many have tried – and failed – to create the magical alchemy of a tasty beer that delivers a buzz, […]

Read this post: Mission completely possible for brewer with DABS business support

More news