DABS was an ERDF-funded programme delivered by Business Durham and a team of partners. It helped high-quality start-ups in County Durham start trading and offered premium quality support to those who had started up in business in the last 12 months.
- 360 Businesses received support
- 150 events delivered
- 32 DABS grants awarded
- 150+ Festival of Enterprise attendees
DABS Success Stories
Diabetes Lifestyle Doctors
Powering better outcomes for patients with support from DABS
Teacup and Tova getting to grips with digital marketing thanks to DABS
DABS Festival of Enterprise
On the 13th October 2022, County Durham’s most promising start-ups came together for a day of networking, keynote speakers and first-hand advice at the annual Durham Ambitious Business Start-Ups (DABS) Festival of Enterprise.
2022 was the third Festival of Enterprise and was attended by more than 100 delegates who descended the Radisson Blu Hotel in Durham.
Testimonials
-
“The DABS programme has been fantastic, working independently from the comfort of my own home during lockdown has been invaluable.”
“I’ve had access to a great source of support and being able to get feedback on ideas, have someone to hold me accountable when needed, and the access to courses and information has just been amazing.”
Jeni Smith, Networking Knowho -
“I heard about DABS through an e-news piece on entrepreneurs and got in touch to see what help I could get from them. I have absolutely no business background and founds DABS offered good programmes, online training and network events.”
“I particularly like these events because everyone is very helpful and generous in sharing their experiences – what worked for them and what didn’t.”
Mark Wong, Impossibrew -
“I have met so many lovely people through the DABS programme. As a freelancer working on my own, it has given me colleagues that I can call on for advice, as we have access to one-to-one mentoring.”
Clare Lavelle, Aniseed Creative -
“Thank you for organising such an insightful Master Class. I definitely enjoyed it and have signed up for all the rest of the Master Classes over the next six weeks. It is so refreshing to see an organisation so passionate about helping entrepreneurs!”
Mikali Sapani -
“I’d recommend any eligible business takes advantage of this fantastic programme – you literally have nothing to lose and so much to gain!”
“It’s helped me define my ideas, create new opportunities, and focus on my future plans for business growth.”
Jeni Smith, Networking Knowho -
“It’s fantastic that DABS helps grow entrepreneurs with ethics, sustainability, and SDGs in mind! While reading about it helps me ponder ethics, talking with others and being in a community of like-minded people works best. It was a pleasure being with everyone this morning. Thank you!”
Marieshka Barton -
“When you’re starting up, you’re juggling a lot, wearing so many hats and it was overwhelming in the early days. The support I’ve received from DABS, being able to ask about anything I don’t know, has been keeping me on the right path.”
Clare Lavelle, Aniseed Creative -
“I’ve had access to a great source of support and being able to get feedback on ideas, have someone to hold me accountable when needed, and the access to courses and information has just been amazing.”
Jeni Smith, Networking Knowho
Looking for business support?
Pre-start
Before you launch your new business, your idea will need further research, market testing and planning. You’ll also need to understand regulations and how to set up your business.
We’ve identified the best resources and support programmes in County Durham to help you progress your plans and prepare to launch your business.
Early stage
Now you’ve started your business you might need help with employing and managing staff, marketing, finance and building your business.
Durham Start-ups can help you access information, resources and specialists to support you.