Business funding
Access to finance is essential to any existing business.
The Business Growth Fund
The Business Growth Fund is a grant scheme to support eligible business investment projects involving capital expenditure and job creation in the Gateshead areas. It is funded by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSFP).
The fund is led by UMi in partnership with the North East Combined Authority, Gateshead Council and Sunderland City Council. Criteria applies.
Find out more on the Business Growth Fund website (opens new window) or contact a member of the Business Gateshead team.
The Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund
The Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund II offers a range of commercial finance options with smaller loans and debt finance from £25,000 to £2 million and equity investment up to £5 million. The fund covers the whole of the North, including rural, coastal and urban areas.
- Smaller Loans from £25,000 to £100,000 (opens new window)
- Debt Finance from £100,000 to £2m (opens new window)
- Equity Finance up to £5m (opens new window)
Find out more on the British Business Bank website (opens new window) or contact a member of the Business Gateshead team.
North East Fund
The North East Fund (opens new window) is a £120m investment programme available to SMEs across Tyne and Wear, Durham and Northumberland.
Businesses relocating to the area may also be eligible. There are five funds, each with a different investment focus to suit the needs of SMEs depending on the sector in which they operate and where they sit on the growth curve.
The Funds:
- Innovation Fund (opens new window)
- Venture Fund (opens new window)
- Development Capital Fund (opens new window)
- Small Loan Fund (opens new window)
- Growth Capital Fund (opens new window)
North East Growth Hub
The North East Growth Hub is home to the biggest range of business support and events for micro, small and medium sized enterprises across the region.
You can access a list of all funding and finance that is available to you in the North East on the North East Growth Hub website (opens new window).
Start-Up Loans
Business Enterprise Fund is a delivery partner of the British Business Bank's Start Up Loan scheme, a government-backed programme to encourage entrepreneurs.
They provide low-interest loans to start-ups and those who already have a UK business that is less than 3 years old. They also provide free business planning support and individuals can access post-loan mentoring for up to 12 months to ensure the money has maximum impact.
Find out more on the Business Enterprise Fund website (opens new window) or contact a member of the Business Gateshead team for a referral.
