Developing Your Business Idea 
Before you launch your new business, your idea will need further research, market testing and planning. You’ll also need to understand regulations and how to set up your business.
We’ve identified the best resources and support programmes in County Durham to help you progress your plans and prepare to launch your business.
Unsure where to get started?
Use our checklist to help you develop your business idea.
Bringing your business idea to life
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.
Business Advice and Support
CDC Enterprise Agency
If you live or will set up your business in the Durham City, Chester-le-Street, Consett, Stanley or Lanchester area, then CDC is your local business start-up provider. CDC provide advice and coaching, workshops and workspace. CDC deliver New Enterprise Allowance and the Micro Covid Recovery Grant.
East Durham Business Service (EDBS)
If you live or will set up your business in Easington, Peterlee or Seaham area, EDBS is your local business start-up provider. EDBS provide one to one coaching and advice, workshops, workspace and deliver New Enterprise Allowance.
Visit East Durham Business Service (EDBS) website (opens in a new window)
South Durham Enterprise Agency (SDEA)
If you live or will set up your business in the areas of Bishop Auckland, Shildon, Newton Aycliffe, Sedgefield, Weardale or Teesdale, SDEA is your local business start-up provider. SDEA provide advice and one to one coaching, workshops and workspace and deliver New Enterprise Allowance.
Visit South Durham Enterprise Agency (SDEA) website (opens in a new window)
Prince's Trust
Prince’s Trust support 18 to 30-year-old, from training and mentoring support to funding and resources. Prince’s Trust provide a free Enterprise programme that takes place in a centre near you.
Business Support Programmes
Durham Ambitious Business Start-ups
An ERDF-funded programme that helps high-quality start-ups in County Durham start trading. Offers premium quality support during the critical first 12 months in business.
Visit Durham Ambitious Business Start-ups website (opens in a new window)
Start-up Funding
Virgin Startup
Virgin StartUp supports founders and future founders as they get their startup ideas off the ground, all the way through to raising investment and scaling up.
Transmit Startups
Transmit Startups is a national delivery partner of the Start Up Loans Company, a government-backed scheme to encourage new entrepreneurs.
We provide low-interest Start Up Loans to businesses and individuals across the UK. Each director or partner can borrow up to £25,000 and you have up to five years to repay the money.
Start Up Loans
The Start Up Loans Company are a subsidiary of the British Business Bank and deliver the Government’s Start Up Loans programme providing finance and support for businesses who struggle to access other forms of finance.
Up and Running