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Up and Running Up and Running

Now you’ve started your business you might need help with employing and managing staff, marketing, finance and building your business.

Durham Start-ups can help you access information, resources and specialists to support you.

Already trading?

Use our checklist to help you develop your business further.

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A small business team

Business advice icon 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.

Visit CDC Enterprise Agency website (opens in a new window)

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.

Visit Prince's Trust website (opens in a new window)

Business support iconBusiness Support Programmes

Durham City Incubator (DCI)

Durham City Incubator (DCI) is an accelerator programme for entrepreneurs and growing businesses in County Durham. This six-month fully funded accelerator programme supports any ambitious entrepreneurs in Durham with the vision to start and scale up their business. We particularly encourage student and graduate talent from Durham University and New College Durham to apply.

Visit Durham City Incubator (DCI) website (opens in a new window)

Business Durham - Digital Drive

Provides workshops and funding to purchase IT equipment, software and digital consultancy to businesses in County Durham. Grants of up to £2000 (40% intervention).

Visit Business Durham - Digital Drive website (opens in a new window)

Funding icon 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.

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Transmit Growth

The Transmit Growth Fund directly supports companies who are looking for some help in raising the finance they need to make advances in their business, and for whom finance from traditional lenders is not an option. This fund provides the affordable, ethical finance that entrepreneurs need and deserve to pursue their opportunities. So whether it’s a new contract, taking on staff, expanding premises or new products and services, our team will look pragmatically at your application to support you.

Visit Transmit Growth website (opens in a new window)

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.

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North East Local Enterprise Partnership

The North East Investment Fund exists to support projects that help maintain or improve an asset, often called infrastructure. A project could be a new construction, expansion, renovation, or replacement for an existing facility or facilities.

Visit North East Local Enterprise Partnership website (opens in a new window)

Business Durham - Digital Drive

Provides workshops and funding to purchase IT equipment, software and digital consultancy to businesses in County Durham. Grants of up to £2000 (40% intervention).

Visit Business Durham - Digital Drive website (opens in a new window)

NBSL

NBSL operate the North East Business Support Fund – part financed by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) – and are able to provide project-specific grants to growing businesses in County Durham. The fund can support business projects including business planning, strategy development, product development, process improvement and marketing planning and strategy, website development/design amongst other things. The current grant delivery programme is closed for applications but businesses are invited to visit the website below to express their interest in grant support and will be contacted when new funding becomes available.

Visit NBSL website (opens in a new window)