Women's Monthly Business Networking
Monthly women's business networking held at The Millin Charitable Trust.
The Rebellious Business Networking
Free networking for business owners with a love for real connection. Regular Thursday afternoon events.
Women of Steel
Monthly female-focused business networking at rotating venues. Founded by Suzie Martin.
Bold Northern Women
Monthly networking for women in business. Held at Muro Lounge, Hexham.
Business Gateshead
Council-supported business support and networking service for Gateshead businesses.
IPC Networking
Free, relaxed, no-lockout networking at pub/restaurant venues. Meet > Learn > No Lockouts.
121 Business Links
Reverse networking consortium model. Partners collaborate and share referrals.
Network Learn Connect
Free weekly early-morning networking events (7:15am) across the region.
Coastal Business Network
Monthly networking social run in partnership with H Social at Gilbert & Smith's.
Prudhoe Business Networking
Free networking at Spetchells Centre, Prudhoe. Supported by Prudhoe Community Partnership.
Tyneside Networking
Professional networking, monthly. Held at Whitley Bay Golf Club area.
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.
Business Academy HQ
AI, digital marketing and online business community.
North East Professionals
Social networking for professionals in their 20s–40s. 6,000+ members.
North East Business Meetup
Meetup group with 900+ members. Business and startup networking community.
Captain Cook Business Community
Breakfast networking for businesses in the Stokesley, Ayton and Guisborough corridor.
Beacon of Light
Community hub and event space. Home to the Foundation of Light and various business networks.
Tyne & Wear Archives & Museums
Corporate partnership and sponsorship opportunities with major regional cultural venues.
North East Chamber of Commerce (NECC)
The region's largest business membership organisation. Representing 3,000+ businesses. Networking, support, and lobbying.
RTC North
Innovation and technology transfer company. Delivers funded support programmes like Supply Chain North East.
Tees Valley Business
The central growth hub for the Tees Valley. Access to finance, skills support, and business advice.
Business Northumberland
Fully funded support programme for businesses in Northumberland. Workshops on digital skills and growth.
Generator
Support agency for the North East's music and creative digital industries. Talent development and business advice.
Proto
The first digital production facility of its kind in Europe. R&D centre for immersive tech (VR/AR).
Innovation SuperNetwork
Connects businesses with opportunities, finance, and innovation support. Hosts VentureFest North East.
Digital Union
The largest network of creative and digital businesses in the North East. Connecting, upskilling and growing the sector.
North East Fund
£120m investment programme available to SMEs across Durham, Northumberland and Tyne and Wear.
Invest North East England
First point of contact for companies looking to locate or expand in the North East.
Sunderland Software City
Enabling the growth of the software sector in the North East. Technical support and skills programs.
Tees Valley Combined Authority
Driving economic growth and job creation in Darlington, Hartlepool, Middlesbrough, Redcar & Cleveland, and Stockton-on-Tees.
Durham Business Club
Friendly and informal networking for businesses in County Durham. Evening and breakfast events.
Arnold Clark Community Fund
Community funding for local organisations and charities.
UnLtd
Awards, support and investment for social entrepreneurs.
Sunderland Business Partnership
Partnership promoting Sunderland as a vibrant place to live, work, and play.
Innovate UK Business Connect
Innovation agency providing business support, funding opportunities and networking events.
North of Tyne Business Support Fund
UKSPF grant for SMEs in Newcastle/Northumberland. Up to 50% funding for £3k-£8k projects.
The Business Network
Monthly face-to-face lunchtime networking since 1993. Focus on business owners and directors.
Sunderland Creative Forum
Networking for artists and creatives hosted by Sunderland Culture.
Network B2B
Structured weekly networking. Groups in Durham, Tynemouth, Newcastle, Sunderland. One seat per sector.
BNI UK
World’s largest referral networking org. Weekly structured meetings. One seat per profession.
Creative UK
Membership body for creative industries. Investment, policy advocacy, and networking.
NESD
Supporting sustainable development and environmental business practices.
NBSL Durham
Business support and funding programmes across the North East.
North East Network
Networking events including Gateshead, Whickham FC Business Club.
Team Valley Group
Business networking for Team Valley industrial estate area.
Sunderland Council Business Funding
North East Combined Authority Growth Hub funding and support.
Arts Council England
Funding and support for arts organisations.
Creative Lives
Supporting grassroots creative activity and community arts.
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.
Grow Business Club Alnwick
Networking at The Alnwick Garden for Northumberland businesses.
Sunderland BID
Supporting city centre businesses in Sunderland.
Digital Pathfinders
Digital skills and business support.
Sunderland Uni Enterprise
University enterprise and innovation support for startups.
Kraken Networking
Networking across Newcastle, Sunderland, Durham. Founded by Caroline Hagan.
The Mussel Club
3,000+ members. Free networking events at varied venues across the region.
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.
Dynamo North East
North East’s largest tech membership organisation. Hosts TechNExt Festival and roundtables.