Frequently Asked Questions

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 2026.

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 2026.

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 2026.

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@weareumi.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 2026.

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.