The Dynamo Digitial Inclusion Fund
The Dynamo Digital Inclusion Fund is a fund for North East businesses, which is designed to support, 'Organisations and programmes which engage vulnerable or marginalised groups in skills and educational activities to boost people’s confidence in using technology.' Applications for the next round of funding will open in late Spring 2026.
North East Supplier Readiness and Transformation (SRT) Scheme
The Dynamo Digital Inclusion Fund is a fund for North East businesses, which is designed to support, 'Organisations and programmes which engage vulnerable or marginalised groups in skills and educational activities to boost people’s confidence in using technology.' Applications for the next round of funding will open in late Spring 2026.
North East Supplier Readiness and Transformation (SRT) Scheme
The North East Supplier Readiness and Transformation Scheme, or North East SRT Scheme, is a new investment programme intended to support businesses make the move towards electric components and vehicles. Any UK registered businesses of any size can apply, with grants from £250,000 to £3m per project. Eligible projects include electronic vehicle manufacturing, reuse and recycling or electronic vehicle components, and skills capital and workforce development.
North East Digital Technologies Launchpad
North East businesses who are offering technology services, educational technology services, or health technology services can access one to one support, funding support and help for Innovate UK applicants, as well as connect with other digital business in the region with North East Digital Technologies Launchpad. To access this support, you can register your interest online.
GROW North Tyneside with the Business Factory
North East businesses who are offering technology services, educational technology services, or health technology services can access one to one support, funding support and help for Innovate UK applicants, as well as connect with other digital business in the region with North East Digital Technologies Launchpad. To access this support, you can register your interest online.
GROW North Tyneside with the Business Factory
Organisations based in North Tyneside can receive free specialist one-to-one consultancy and mentoring, to help them grow their business, expand into new areas, and reach new markets, courtesy of the Business Factory. This support includes business strategy, marketing, recruitment, financial management and access to finance and environmental sustainability. Access this support by enquiring online.
Social Enterprise Boost Durham
If you are thinking of starting a business in Durham that focuses on social change, you could be eligible for support through Social Enterprise Boost Durham. This includes advice and coaching from advisers, workshops on business planning and social media, as well as small grants to get your idea off the ground. Eligible applicants will be, ' individuals and community groups with an idea for a social enterprise, or established social enterprises under five years old across County Durham'.
Albert Gubay Charitable Foundation
The Albert Gubay Charitable Foundation offers grants to projects run by registered charities in England, Wales, the Isle of Man and the Republic of Ireland, prioritising disadvantaged communities such as victims of modern slavery, domestic abuse, ex-offenders and their families, homelessness and care leavers, as well as medical research, amateur sport, and worship and associated community outreach. Charities can take the eligibility test online to see if they are eligible for the General Fund.
Henry Smith Foundation Holiday Grants
The Henry Smith Foundation is an organisation which seeks to support economically or socially excluded people. Their Holiday Grants Programme, 'offers one-off grants for schools, youth groups and non-profit organisations to take children aged 13 and under on recreational day trips or short residential trips.' Applicants can apply online, and request an amount between £500 and £2,750.
Apprenticeship Levy Transfers
If you're thinking about taking on an apprentice, it's worth looking into apprenticeship levy transfers. Businesses of any size can apply for funding from large businesses who are required to pay the apprenticeship levy, and would like to transfer their levy funds to other businesses. Those wanting to take on apprentices can use this to fund 100% of their apprenticeship training and assessment costs.
Newcastle ward committee funding
Voluntary and Community Sector organisations can apply for ward funding to help support them to 'run projects or events which help local residents'. Organisations must demonstrate that their project or event benefits residents in four of the listed wards or specific neighbourhoods. Eligible organisations should apply online.
If you are thinking of starting a business in Durham that focuses on social change, you could be eligible for support through Social Enterprise Boost Durham. This includes advice and coaching from advisers, workshops on business planning and social media, as well as small grants to get your idea off the ground. Eligible applicants will be, ' individuals and community groups with an idea for a social enterprise, or established social enterprises under five years old across County Durham'.
Albert Gubay Charitable Foundation
The Albert Gubay Charitable Foundation offers grants to projects run by registered charities in England, Wales, the Isle of Man and the Republic of Ireland, prioritising disadvantaged communities such as victims of modern slavery, domestic abuse, ex-offenders and their families, homelessness and care leavers, as well as medical research, amateur sport, and worship and associated community outreach. Charities can take the eligibility test online to see if they are eligible for the General Fund.
Henry Smith Foundation Holiday Grants
The Henry Smith Foundation is an organisation which seeks to support economically or socially excluded people. Their Holiday Grants Programme, 'offers one-off grants for schools, youth groups and non-profit organisations to take children aged 13 and under on recreational day trips or short residential trips.' Applicants can apply online, and request an amount between £500 and £2,750.
Apprenticeship Levy Transfers
If you're thinking about taking on an apprentice, it's worth looking into apprenticeship levy transfers. Businesses of any size can apply for funding from large businesses who are required to pay the apprenticeship levy, and would like to transfer their levy funds to other businesses. Those wanting to take on apprentices can use this to fund 100% of their apprenticeship training and assessment costs.
Newcastle ward committee funding
Voluntary and Community Sector organisations can apply for ward funding to help support them to 'run projects or events which help local residents'. Organisations must demonstrate that their project or event benefits residents in four of the listed wards or specific neighbourhoods. Eligible organisations should apply online.
The Kelly Family Charitable Trust offers grants of up to £5000 to charities in the UK who are supporting families where one or more members are facing problems. This can include, 'early intervention, mediation, prison services, and services for families affected by sexual abuse, physical abuse and domestic violence.' Eligible charities can apply by downloading an application form online.
The Baily Thomas Charitable Fund
The Baily Thomas Charitable Fund aims to support organisations who are researching learning disabilities, and support the care and relief of those affected by learning disability. Small grants are between £250 and £9,000 and larger grants over £9000 can also be applied for. Organisations can apply online.
The Hedley Foundation
The Hedley Foundation is a grant giving charity, that supports other charities who are 'operating across the spectrum of social need'. This includes youth support, disabled support, support for the elderly and terminally ill, and other social welfare projects such as those which support carers, homeless people and ex-offenders. Grants are typically between £250 and £5,000, and you can make an application online.
The Baily Thomas Charitable Fund aims to support organisations who are researching learning disabilities, and support the care and relief of those affected by learning disability. Small grants are between £250 and £9,000 and larger grants over £9000 can also be applied for. Organisations can apply online.
The Hedley Foundation
The Hedley Foundation is a grant giving charity, that supports other charities who are 'operating across the spectrum of social need'. This includes youth support, disabled support, support for the elderly and terminally ill, and other social welfare projects such as those which support carers, homeless people and ex-offenders. Grants are typically between £250 and £5,000, and you can make an application online.
Flexible Finance Fund
The Flexible Finance Fund is a combination of grant and loan support for Black and Racially Minoritised charities based in England who are improving people's lives, or the environment they live in. Eligible businesses must be Black and Racially Minoritised-led, a registered charity or social enterprise and have been operating for at least two years.
Bernard Sunley Foundation
The Bernard Sunley Foundation aims to support organisations and non-profits that are seeking to improve and enrich the lives of young, elderly, disabled or disadvantaged people, with community, health, social welfare and education. Eligible applicants can receive grants to improve spaces, facilities and purchase vehicles that provide a vital service.
The Flexible Finance Fund is a combination of grant and loan support for Black and Racially Minoritised charities based in England who are improving people's lives, or the environment they live in. Eligible businesses must be Black and Racially Minoritised-led, a registered charity or social enterprise and have been operating for at least two years.
Bernard Sunley Foundation
The Bernard Sunley Foundation aims to support organisations and non-profits that are seeking to improve and enrich the lives of young, elderly, disabled or disadvantaged people, with community, health, social welfare and education. Eligible applicants can receive grants to improve spaces, facilities and purchase vehicles that provide a vital service.
Pink Ribbon Foundation Grant
The Pink Ribbon Foundation is now accepting applications for its grant making programme. Any charity working in the field of breast cancer can apply, and successful applicants can receive a grant of up to £6000. The deadline for applications is Friday 30th May, with grants awarded in late July.
VINCI UK Foundation
The Pink Ribbon Foundation is now accepting applications for its grant making programme. Any charity working in the field of breast cancer can apply, and successful applicants can receive a grant of up to £6000. The deadline for applications is Friday 30th May, with grants awarded in late July.
VINCI UK Foundation
The VINCI UK Foundation is offering grants of between £3,000 and £10,000 for 'small to medium sized community interest or non-profit organisations that are registered with either Companies House, Charity Commission or both'. These grants are for organisations helping people access employment and housing, or promoting inclusive mobility and better communities. This grant can be used for tangible goods including, 'tools and equipment, vehicles, IT, furniture [and] building works'.
Sir James Knott Trust
The Sir James Knott Trust is a small grant giving organisation which funds charitable activities in and around the North East. It provides small grants of £1000, as well as larger grants of up to £15,000 over 3 years to registered charities, community groups and social enterprises; particularly those that help people find work and have a safe place to live.
The Sir James Knott Trust is a small grant giving organisation which funds charitable activities in and around the North East. It provides small grants of £1000, as well as larger grants of up to £15,000 over 3 years to registered charities, community groups and social enterprises; particularly those that help people find work and have a safe place to live.
Tees Foundation is an organisation which offers grants to charities and groups in Teesside. They have two funds available; the Tees Million, which offer grants of up to £2,500 to community projects which improve the lives of people in Teesside, and Tees Challenge, for community projects that require more than £2,500 for their idea. Groups do not need to be registered charities.
The Durham Business Growth Programme is offering a range of grant opportunities to businesses of all sizes that are based in County Durham. These include revenue grants and capital grants between £10k and £200 for organisations that are dedicated to creating and safeguarding jobs, improving productivity and decarbonisation. Eligible businesses are likely to be working in industries which focus on the green economy, space and satellites, fintech and digital, advanced material electronics, life sciences, and creative and culture.
The Creative Enterprise Business Builder from Creative UK is a grant of up to £2,500 for businesses and companies who work in 'moving image for storytelling, spanning film, television, games, animation and immersive industries.' Eligible business will be 'working in the Screen sector in England, have relevant track record in the screen industry and ambitions for company growth'.
Skipton Charitable Foundation
Skipton Charitable Foundation makes donations of up to £6,000 to registered charities who are working to improve the wellbeing, welfare and education of children and adults in communities throughout the UK. Grants are provided to organisations which are looking to fund items or activities that have tangible benefit to the beneficiaries.
Skipton Charitable Foundation makes donations of up to £6,000 to registered charities who are working to improve the wellbeing, welfare and education of children and adults in communities throughout the UK. Grants are provided to organisations which are looking to fund items or activities that have tangible benefit to the beneficiaries.
The Gateshead Startup Skills Programme is a programme to help startups in the first few years of businesses. You'll receive a grant of up to £1000 to be used for, 'items/services that are beneficial to the business, such as stock, materials, marketing software, insurance costs or small items of equipment'. If you're based in Gateshead borough, registered with Companies House or HMRC and you've been trading for less than three years, you can sign up for the programme.
Startup Awards North East
Startup Awards North East is an awards programme which sees prospective entrepreneurs and business owners take their ideas or their organisation to the next level. You can apply for SkillUp, StartUp or ScaleUp based on where your business is, and 15 individuals will be selected for the programme. These individuals will receive business support and guidance to create or grow their organisation, and then enter the live final to compete for the High Growth and Social Impact awards.
Startup Awards North East is an awards programme which sees prospective entrepreneurs and business owners take their ideas or their organisation to the next level. You can apply for SkillUp, StartUp or ScaleUp based on where your business is, and 15 individuals will be selected for the programme. These individuals will receive business support and guidance to create or grow their organisation, and then enter the live final to compete for the High Growth and Social Impact awards.
£200,000 grants from Northstar Ventures
Northstar Ventures has partnered with the Community Foundation Tyne & Wear and Northumberland to offer community businesses who are facing barriers to access finance £200,000 in grant funding alongside a loan. To qualify, organisations should be, 'supporting activities related to one or more areas of social need.'
Northstar Ventures has partnered with the Community Foundation Tyne & Wear and Northumberland to offer community businesses who are facing barriers to access finance £200,000 in grant funding alongside a loan. To qualify, organisations should be, 'supporting activities related to one or more areas of social need.'
Business Growth Fund
The Business Growth Fund is a £3.5m investment programme, which is offering businesses grants of up to 30% of expenditure for projects that otherwise would be unable to proceed. Businesses must be planning capital investment of at least £67,000, and must be expanding or establishing in the areas of Gateshead Metropolitan Borough Council, North of Tyne Combined Authority, or Sunderland City Council.
The Business Growth Fund is a £3.5m investment programme, which is offering businesses grants of up to 30% of expenditure for projects that otherwise would be unable to proceed. Businesses must be planning capital investment of at least £67,000, and must be expanding or establishing in the areas of Gateshead Metropolitan Borough Council, North of Tyne Combined Authority, or Sunderland City Council.
The Catherine Cookson Charitable Trust makes donations to worthy causes in the UK. Grants are between £100 and £100,000, but occasionally larger amounts in exceptional circumstances. Organisations involved in education, training, environment, conservation, arts, culture and general charitable purposes in North East England are encouraged to apply.
BEST is the Business Energy Saving Team, and can help businesses in the North East save money on their energy. You can apply on BEST's website by providing some information about your business, and your energy consumption. The BEST energy team review the information, and then provide tailored advice on how you can be more energy efficient. You can also request a grant application form, where you can apply to claim grant reimbursment for the energy saving works carried out.
The Oli Bennett Charitable Trust
The Oli Bennett Charitable Trust aims to provide financial support, where other methods of fundraising have failed, and to offer advice to young people from all backgrounds to help turn their business ideas into sustainable, profitable organisations. Grants will be considered for those aged between 18-30, who are UK residents.
The Oli Bennett Charitable Trust aims to provide financial support, where other methods of fundraising have failed, and to offer advice to young people from all backgrounds to help turn their business ideas into sustainable, profitable organisations. Grants will be considered for those aged between 18-30, who are UK residents.
Workplace Charging Scheme
The Government's Workplace Charging Scheme is a voucher-based scheme which can help businesses and charities finance the purchase and installation of Electric Vehicle charging points. Eligible organisations can receive funding for up to 75% of the total costs, capped at a limit of £350 per socket, and 40 sockets across all sites. Check your eligibility on the government website.
The Government's Workplace Charging Scheme is a voucher-based scheme which can help businesses and charities finance the purchase and installation of Electric Vehicle charging points. Eligible organisations can receive funding for up to 75% of the total costs, capped at a limit of £350 per socket, and 40 sockets across all sites. Check your eligibility on the government website.
Make Smarter Adoption North East
Make Smarter Adoption North East helps manufacturing businesses go digital by providing organisations in and around Tees Valley with support and funding. Businesses can receive a digital roadmap to help identify how their business could benefit from digital tools, innovation vouchers of up to £500 to help them access expert advice, and grants of up to £20,000 to help implement new software and equipment.
Make Smarter Adoption North East helps manufacturing businesses go digital by providing organisations in and around Tees Valley with support and funding. Businesses can receive a digital roadmap to help identify how their business could benefit from digital tools, innovation vouchers of up to £500 to help them access expert advice, and grants of up to £20,000 to help implement new software and equipment.
The North East Ambition Programme is offering, ‘free, impartial consultancy service to small businesses in the North East, helping them to identify the skills needs, training and finance options that will help them grow.’ SMEs can get help creating action plans, finding training courses, funding options, employment programmes and building partnerships with schools and colleges.
Vehicle Upgrade Grant
The Clean Air Zone scheme is offering grants to drivers of non-compliant vehicles to upgrade or replace their taxi, private-hire car, bus, coach or HGV. The vehicle being purchased must meet Clean Air Zone emissions requirements, and applicants will have to evidence their business travel in the Clean Air Zone. Eligible applicants can receive up to £3,500 for taxis and private hire vehicles, £4,000 for wheelchair accessible taxis, £4,500 for light goods vehicles, and £16,000 for HGVs, buses and coaches.
The Clean Air Zone scheme is offering grants to drivers of non-compliant vehicles to upgrade or replace their taxi, private-hire car, bus, coach or HGV. The vehicle being purchased must meet Clean Air Zone emissions requirements, and applicants will have to evidence their business travel in the Clean Air Zone. Eligible applicants can receive up to £3,500 for taxis and private hire vehicles, £4,000 for wheelchair accessible taxis, £4,500 for light goods vehicles, and £16,000 for HGVs, buses and coaches.
UnLtd Awards
If you're a social entrepreneur, 'people who have started, or looking to start, a social venture, someone who is driven by their passion to make a difference' or a social venture, 'an organisation whose purpose is to create impact but has a financially sustainable business model to continue to make a difference', you can apply for UnLtd Awards for up to £8000 and £18,000 respectively alongside business support.
If you're a social entrepreneur, 'people who have started, or looking to start, a social venture, someone who is driven by their passion to make a difference' or a social venture, 'an organisation whose purpose is to create impact but has a financially sustainable business model to continue to make a difference', you can apply for UnLtd Awards for up to £8000 and £18,000 respectively alongside business support.
If you employ a veteran, you're entitled to National Insurance contributions relief. An employee qualifies as a veteran if, 'they have served at least one day in the regular armed forces', or 'completed at least one day of basic training'. You can find more information on how to access this relief on the government website.
B&Q Foundation
The B&Q Foundation offer grants to charities who are looking to improve homes and community spaces for, 'those who need it most'. It's awarded over £2.4million since its inception in June 2020. Applicants need to be registered charities.
The B&Q Foundation offer grants to charities who are looking to improve homes and community spaces for, 'those who need it most'. It's awarded over £2.4million since its inception in June 2020. Applicants need to be registered charities.
This scheme from the government allows small businesses who own their own property in England and Wales to upgrade their boiler to an air source heat pump, a biomass boiler, or a ground source heat pump. Businesses can get up to £6000 off the cost an installation.
With this grant from The Weavers' Company, eligible charities and organisations could receive up to £15,000 towards projects which help support offenders and ex-offenders, aswell as disadvantaged young people (those aged between 5 and 30). You can complete an application form online, and the deadline is 14th July 2022.
Arrow Project is a program designed to help North East SMEs innovate and grow. It's a completely free service which can be accessed by businesses who are looking to expand, or brand new businesses and start-ups. Get help with proof of concept and validation, help with research and development, and specialist data science expertise.
The Northern Accelerator is a collaboration between Durham, Newcastle, Northumbria and Sunderland Universities, focusing on the commercialisation of research to support local and national economic growth. They run a number of funds, which are designed to help academics train in business, and get their business ideas off the ground. Find out more on their website.
North of Tyne Innovation Recovery Grant
The North of Tyne Innovation Recovery Grant is designed to help businesses in Northumberland, Newcastle and North Tyneside fund projects which 'create and safeguard good quality jobs, build a more inclusive economy and/or contribute towards the net zero agenda'. Download the application pack to get started.
The North of Tyne Innovation Recovery Grant is designed to help businesses in Northumberland, Newcastle and North Tyneside fund projects which 'create and safeguard good quality jobs, build a more inclusive economy and/or contribute towards the net zero agenda'. Download the application pack to get started.
If your business is trading in the UK, and has been adversely affected by the pandemic, you can apply for the UK government’s Recovery Loan Scheme. This scheme is to ‘help businesses of any size access loans and other kinds of finance so they can recover after the pandemic and transition period.’ Eligible businesses can receive up to ten million pounds.
The Finance Durham Fund can support a huge range of businesses, and offers £200,000 to £700,000 in debt, equity and mezzanine funding. Eligible businesses must be ‘based in, or in the process of relocating to, County Durham at the time the investment is made’. You’ll also need to submit a detailed investment proposal, a detailed business plan, and an analysis of financial projections.
Is your broadband struggling to keep up with your business? Get some vouchers with the Gigabit voucher scheme, and you can use them to contribute to ‘the installation cost of a gigabit-capable connection. Businesses can claim up to £2,500 against the cost of connection either individually or as part of a group project. Residents can benefit from the scheme with a voucher worth £500 as part of a group project.’
The Yapp Charitable Trust makes grants to cover running costs and salaries for charities in England and Wales. They offer grants to registered charities, for work which focuses on one of their priority groups; elderly people, young people aged 5-25, people with physical impairments or disabilities, learning difficulties or mental health difficulties, social welfare and education and learning. They also prioritise, ‘work that is unattractive to the general public or unpopular with other funders’. You can download an application form from their website.
Scaleup North East is a programme designed for businesses wanting to grow and develop sustainably, by providing one to one support, action plans and funding. Scaleup North East offers all of this as well as broker strategic partnerships, advice, masterclasses and workshops. If you’re based in the North East and have fewer than 250 employees, you can apply.
Natwest Entrepreneur Accelerator
Natwest Entrepreneur Accelerator
Natwest Entrepreneur Accelerator is, ‘a six-month programme for entrepreneurs with high growth businesses who are looking to scale up.’ If you’re an established entrepreneur who wants to take your business to the next level, you can get free office space, Wi-Fi, 1:1 coaching and access to business mentors. This is a fully funded programme, and Natwest don’t take any equity in any business.
The New Enterprise Allowance is a weekly allowance of up to £1,274 over 26 weeks, and is designed to help those on Universal Credit, Jobseekers Allowance and Employment and Support Allowance start their own businesses. You can also access mentoring through this scheme. To get started you’ll need to talk to your Jobcentre Plus work coach.
The Prince’s Trust is a great organisation for young people wanting to start their own businesses. If you’re between 18 and 30 and have an idea for a business, you can join the Enterprise programme. It’s a great way to get your business started, and in special circumstances there are even grants available.
The Business Clinic at Northumbria University
The Business Clinic is an education scheme set up by Northumbria University, designed to give final year undergraduate and masters students on the ground experience working with real businesses. If you're looking for consultancy advice for your business, or you have a specific problem, The Business Clinic offers their services for free.
The North East Fund
This new fund is supported by the European Regional Development Fund, and will be investing £120m in 600 businesses in and around the North East. There are 5 separate funds within the North East Fund, and the majority of SMEs should be eligible for at least one of them.
The Business Clinic at Northumbria University
The Business Clinic is an education scheme set up by Northumbria University, designed to give final year undergraduate and masters students on the ground experience working with real businesses. If you're looking for consultancy advice for your business, or you have a specific problem, The Business Clinic offers their services for free.
The North East Fund
This new fund is supported by the European Regional Development Fund, and will be investing £120m in 600 businesses in and around the North East. There are 5 separate funds within the North East Fund, and the majority of SMEs should be eligible for at least one of them.
The Hadrian Trust provide grants to charities and groups working with people or the environment in the North East. Grants provided are usually between £500 and £2000, and can be used for running costs, project costs, part salaries and basic equipment. You can apply online or by post.
This fund is still running and offers support when you hire a graduate. They have different deadlines for each sector, so check their website for details.
If you're thinking about hiring an apprentice this fund is still available.
This fund offers up to £2800 towards your next business venture. You can apply online, and the process should only take 15 minutes.
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