Are you wanting to take your business to the next level? Thinking about expanding, but unsure where to start? Or maybe you want to speak to experts in your industry? Northumberland Small Business Service (NSBS) is offering all of this and more to individuals and organisations in the North East.
What is the Northumberland Small Business Service?
The Northumberland Small Business Service, or NSBS, is a fully-funded service which offers support to organisations and individuals within Northumberland, particularly those focused on growing their businesses. NSBS launched at the end of 2023, with the aim of helping entrepreneurs in rural areas develop and diversify their organisations.
NSBS is funded by the UK Government, and supported by the North of Tyne Combined Authority.
How can NSBS help my business?
Northumberland Small Business Service is offering four different support services for organisations and entrepreneurs located in Northumberland.
Growth & Resilience Support
NSBS’ Growth and Resilience Support is ideal for small and micro businesses who are interested in expanding their organisations, ensuring their continuity, or are looking to access grants and funding. Eligible businesses will receive support from a one-to-one specialist advisor, as well as access to themed events and workshops, technical expertise to help identify how your business can develop, and assistance in accessing financial support.
Enterprise & Start Up Support
If you’re starting a business, or have an idea for a business, NSBS’ Enterprise & Start Up Support could be for you. This is available to people who live in Northumberland, who are over the age of 16, and are at pre-start or within the first 12 months of starting a business which is located in Northumberland. NSBS will support you through your first year of trading, with one-to-one support and business workshops.
Grant Investment Fund
If you’re looking for financial support to get your business growing, then you can also apply for NSBS’ Grant Investment Fund. Micro and small businesses with clear growth plans can apply for a grant between £10,000 and £300,000. You must be located in rural Northumberland, you should have a turnover of less than £10m, with less than 50 employees.
Farming Advisory Service
Northumberland Small Business Service also offers specialist support to Farm enterprises in rural Northumberland. They’re particularly focused on offering advice, expertise and support to those working within the agricultural industry who have been adversely affected by rising costs over the last few years. NSBS is keen to help these organisations grow, become more resilient and also diversify by expanding into new markets.
Am I eligible for support?
With the range of support offered by Northumberland Small Business Service, it’s highly unlikely that you won’t qualify for one of the services offered by their team. If you, or your business, is located in Northumberland, it doesn’t matter whether you’re a pre-start business, a new business, an established business or a farm enterprise; NSBS can help.
To find out which of the support services you should register for, use NSBS’ Eligibility Checker. Answer a few questions, and you’ll be directed to the most suitable support service for your business.
Find out more about the Northumberland Small Business Service, and check your eligibility for their support services on their website
