Download a copy of the Access to Finance - Your guide to funding booklet [pdf] (202 KB).
If you would like a hard copy, then please contact your local Business Link.
Regional Support
This is an overview of available funding in the North East. It does not provide an in-depth description of each scheme but gives the contact details for further enquiries about the funds, in particular further investigation about eligibility criteria and application process will be necessary. Whilst not providing a complete picture of all available finance, these pages hopefully capture most of the relevant schemes available.
The regional financial support pages are divided into four sections relating to different fund types:
While the content of equity, loan and grant schemes are apparent, the ‘schemes’ section covers initiatives such as tax relief schemes and loan guarantee schemes.
Funds with a loan and equity element are listed under both terms.
After having assessed which form of financial support would be appropriate, further details can be found at a glance in the headings, which provide information about:
- Deal size
- Target group for whom the fund is available
- Specific area where the fund is available
Eligibility and the application process still need to be discussed in detail with the respective fund manager on a case by case basis. The contact details of the fund managers can be found at the bottom of each page.
Other useful sources of information
While grant and loan schemes are well introduced in the region, there seems to be a more hesitant use of equity schemes. Please click here to read some generic information about equity with specific examples of how companies in the region have utilised equity.
Please also refer to the glossary of financial terms for a list of commonly used terms and a detailed definition of a SME.
Business Link recently issued two ‘No-nonsense Guides’, which provide practical jargon-free advice for small businesses:
The No-Nonsense Guide to Small Business Funding: covers all aspects of setting up a business, funding options and business finance.
The No-Nonsense Guide to Finance for High Growth Companies: contains guidance and advice around equity and loan finance for small businesses.
Supporting Documents and Downloads
Funding at a glance - matrix [pdf]
(32 KB)
Funding Ladder Brochure [pdf]
(2.47 MB)
