North East Female Founders
Growth and Funding Programme for Female Founders. Investment-focused networking.
Newcastle Helix
Science and innovation district hosting Female Founder Demo Days and pitch events.
North East Business Meetup
Meetup group with 900+ members. Business and startup networking community.
Business Gateshead
Council-supported business support and networking service for Gateshead businesses.
Tees Valley Business
The central growth hub for the Tees Valley. Access to finance, skills support, and business advice.
Tees Valley Combined Authority
Driving economic growth and job creation in Darlington, Hartlepool, Middlesbrough, Redcar & Cleveland, and Stockton-on-Tees.
Invest North East England
First point of contact for companies looking to locate or expand in the North East.
North East Fund
£120m investment programme available to SMEs across Durham, Northumberland and Tyne and Wear.
Innovation SuperNetwork
Connects businesses with opportunities, finance, and innovation support. Hosts VentureFest North East.
Business Northumberland
Fully funded support programme for businesses in Northumberland. Workshops on digital skills and growth.
North East Chamber of Commerce (NECC)
The region's largest business membership organisation. Representing 3,000+ businesses. Networking, support, and lobbying.
NatWest Accelerator
Free accelerator for entrepreneurs at The Lumen. Coaching, networking.
Growth Lab Sunderland
Business growth support programme at the NE BIC.
FSB
UK’s largest business group. Networking, support, lobbying.
Sunderland Uni Enterprise
University enterprise and innovation support for startups.
NBSL Durham
Business support and funding programmes across the North East.
North of Tyne Business Support Fund
UKSPF grant for SMEs in Newcastle/Northumberland. Up to 50% funding for £3k-£8k projects.
No Suit Club
Casual, inclusive business networking. Free breakfast and social events in relaxed environments for entrepreneurs, freelancers and business owners.
Sunderland Business Support Fund
UKSPF grant for SMEs. Up to 40% funding for £3,000–£6,000 projects (marketing, web design). Managed by NBSL.
North East BIC
Not-for-profit enterprise agency. Free workshops, business advice, networking, workspace.