Empowering Dreams, Fuelling Success
Don’t let your business idea remain just a dream – make it a reality. Durham Startups provides a single point of contact for you to access a broad range of business support in County Durham.
Let us introduce you to one of our startup solutions advisors who will identify your business support needs and connect you to a wide range of experts, workshops and more.
Durham Startups (part of Enterprising Durham Framework) is funded by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund until March 2025.
Start Your JourneySupporting Your Success
Enterprising People
Durham Startup partners work in schools, further and higher education and in local communities to enable a ‘can do’ attitude, help identify new business opportunities and raise awareness of enterprise through a range of support and workshops across County Durham.
Enterprising Startups
Durham Startups provides you with a single point of contact to access your own start-up solutions adviser. They can assist you in developing your business skills, making you enterprise ready, and connect you with a broad range of experts in digital marketing, raising finance, networking and more to build a successful, sustainable business in County Durham.
Enterprising Places
Durham Startups will be launching ‘Enterprise Roadshows’ in a community venue near you. We invite you to attend our enterprising activities to find out more about new opportunities and unleash your potential to develop new ideas that may lead to you to starting a great business in County Durham.
Your Toolkit for Growth
Smarta eLearning
Business skills aren’t typically taught at school, so aspiring entrepreneurs often need help with the fundamentals to make their start-up business a success.
Durham Startups have teamed up with SMARTA elearning to solve this challenge. Get access to business, finance and marketing training to upskill yourself rapidly in your own time and at your own pace.
Please note: Registration is required and you must be based in County Durham.
Startup Roadmap
We’re developing a startup roadmap that will provide you with guidance, help and information on how to make you enterprise-ready. The startup roadmap will be made available as a printable download and electronic version that you can complete online and will be an essential resource for your startup success.
Taster Session Workshops
We’re working with some of our very own Durham Startup specialist experts to provide taster session videos on topics such as finding new business opportunities, bidding for contracts, understanding social value as a startup and more. And remember, if you get in touch, we have a range of in-person and online workshops that can help you further.
Supporting your Startup
If you’re thinking of starting your business – or even if it’s never crossed your mind until now – we’re here to help. Through Durham Startups we will provide the support and expertise you need… and it won’t cost you a penny.
Upcoming Events
Crafting the Perfect Video Pitch with Your Phone!
10/12/2024
Calling all artists and creative practitioners! Are you ready to bring your ideas to life and pitch them like a pro? Join us for an engaging and FREE workshop that will equip you with the skills to create a compelling...
Fresh Insights
Stories from Real People
Empowerment Learning Ltd is on a mission to or engage the young people of the North East with themselves, their […]
Read more: Empowerment Learning Ltd – Empowering Young People to Reach Their Full Potential
Frequently Asked Questions
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What is Durham Startups?
Durham Startups is a collective of start-up organisations that have a wealth of knowledge to help you start a business.
It provides you with a single point of contact so that you can access your very own start-up solutions adviser who can then provide you with connections to a broad range of specialist support including digital marketing, networking, raising finance, retail, green economy, tender readiness, and cultural and creative experts.
This allows you to access the relevant support you need to build your own knowledge and skills, making you enterprise ready.
It doesn’t matter what stage you are at, ideas stage or just thinking about it or about to start, we can provide you with the guidance and support you need to build a sustainable business in County Durham.
If you’re thinking of starting your business – or even if it’s never crossed your mind until now – we’re here to help. Through Durham Startups we will provide the support and expertise you need… and it won’t cost you a penny.
Durham Startups (part of Enterprising Durham Framework) is funded by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund until March 2025.
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I’m starting a business in County Durham. What help can I receive?
There’s a wealth of support available to help you. By connecting you with one of our local start-up solutions advisers, they will assist you in identifying the right support at the right time.
Your start-up solutions adviser will work with you to develop an action plan and connect you with a wide range of expertise from our specialist experts.
You can choose to receive as much or as little support as you need, and it’s all free of charge. So, whether you need help with raising finance, marketing your business, or building your network, we have everything you need in one place.
Remember, you’re not alone – even if you work on your own. Throughout the year, Durham Startups will invite you to events where you can connect with others who have recently set up their own businesses. It’s amazing how much you can learn from others, share ideas, and exchange experiences, even if your businesses are very different.
Durham Startups (part of Enterprising Durham Framework) is funded by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund until March 2025.
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Do you provide any funding?
Raising finance for your start-up is a common concern, but it’s important to understand what you need the funding for and what types of finance are available to you. Since raising finance can be complex, we recommend speaking to one of our start-up solutions advisers first. The options available will depend on your specific circumstances, the type of business, and how much funding you need to get started.
Typically, start-up loans are provided by the UK Government, but there are also other methods to finance your business.
We offer a range of workshops on raising and managing finance, giving you the knowledge you need on funding, finance options, and investment.
Get in touch with one of our start-up solutions advisers, who can guide you through raising finance and much more.
Starting a business isn’t only about securing funding. You need to ensure you’re enterprise-ready to give your venture the best chance of success.
Durham Startups (part of the Enterprising Durham Framework) is funded by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund until March 2025.
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How can I contact the Durham Startups team?
If you are thinking about starting a business, have an idea for a community business, or need to kickstart your start-up, Durham Startups provides a single point of contact for you to access a broad range of business support in County Durham.
Simply call 0191 6251221, email durhamstartups@umi.co.uk or complete the registration form on our website and we’ll introduce you to one of our start-up solutions advisors who will identify your business support needs and connect you to a wide range of experts, workshops and more.
Durham Startups (part of Enterprising Durham Framework) is funded by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund until March 2025.
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Why should I register for Durham Startups?
We ask that you register your details for Durham Startups for the following reasons:
- By registering your details we can provide you with access to all the information you need in one place to help you start your business in your own time.
- We can tailor content and support to your needs including ‘in-person’ support and access to workshops and events. Our startup solutions advisors can help you every step of the way.
- Durham Startups portal is currently under development with new improvements. Access to new content and support will be accessed easily if you are already registered.
- Over time, we aim to introduce some exciting new features including a personalised dashboard, startup journey roadmap and some valuable tools to help you develop an idea into a business, making you enterprise-ready.
- Remember, if you need to talk to one of our solutions advisors, please complete the enquiry form and we’ll get in touch.
Meet Our Partners
Richard Myers
Finance Specialist
We will help you understand small business finance, all the options available, and how to pitch for money.
Daniel Mearns
Innovation Challenge Specialist
We can help you in your first steps in starting a new business – it all starts with an idea, we provide the support.
Ian Farrar
Enterprise Challenge Specialist
I can help create a business idea if you’ve never thought of starting a business before. Take the first and accept the challenge.
Jo Holmes
Green Economy Specialist
I can advise you on environmental and sustainable good practice and the threats and opportunities climate change brings for you and your Durham start-up business.
Tracy Emery
Community Development Officer
I’m here to help you grow your voluntary or community organisation. I can help you explore how your not for profit organisation can earn income by selling goods or services.
Hayley Campbell
North Durham Solutions Advisor
As you launch your business dream, I’ll guide you towards success with support and gentle accountability.
Mark Johnston
High Growth Solutions Advisor
I’m here to provide solid advice as you navigate your business up the winding High Growth path.
Durham Startups Programmes
Durham City Incubator
Durham City Incubator (DCI) is an intensive six month programme for entrepreneurs with new high growth businesses in County Durham. DCI supports founders who have innovative ideas and aim to scale their business to serve local, national, and international markets. DCI works in partnership with Durham University and New College Durham and welcomes student start-ups to apply.
Find out more about Durham City IncubatorFuture Business Magnates
Future Business Magnates is a suite of programmes which introduces young people to the world of business and enterprise through a experiential set of activities and competitions. The scheme has been operating since 2004 and has helped young people from across County Durham start their journey into the world of work and enterprise.
Find out more about Future Business MagnatesCreate Your Account
Durham Startups is filled with essential resources and tools designed to help kickstart your business idea. Register for your free account to gain access to:
- Essential startup business, finance and marketing training through Smarta eLearning
- Exclusive online and in-person startup workshops and events in the County Durham region
- Tailored guidance to help your startup thrive
Over the coming months, Durham Startups will evolve into a one-stop shop for all your startup needs. Upcoming features include:
- Detailed diagnostic to support your unique startup journey
- Personalised action plans to accelerate your business progress
- AI-powered business tools and templates
- Comprehensive startup guidance and success stories
When registering, don’t forget to join our mailing list to be the first to learn about these exciting new additions.
Connect With Us
Don’t let your business idea remain just a dream – make it a reality with Durham Startups. Contact us today and we’ll connect you with one of our startup solutions advisers. Let’s work together to build a successful and sustainable business in County Durham. Your success story begins here!
0191 6251221 durhamstartups@weareumi.co.uk