Enterprising North: Rural startup support
What is Enterprising North?
Enterprising North is an exciting new programme, designed to support individuals looking to start their own business, or those who are in their first six months of trading.
The programme is funded by the UK government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund and brings together business support providers from across the region to provide expert advice, guidance and exciting opportunities to help turn your business idea or early-stage venture into a reality.
Here at the Rural Design Centre, our speciality is supporting rural enterprises in Northumberland and Gateshead. We understand the additional challenges rural business can face, such as access to markets, digital connectivity, finding skilled labour and networking. But we’re on hand to help make it easier, with our specialist rural start-up advisor.
What support is available?
We offer a range of services to help you achieve your aims and make your new business succeed.
One-to-one support
Free, tailored and delivered within your community. Our rural start-up advisor works in towns, villages and hamlets throughout Northumberland and the rural parts of Gateshead too. We also deliver online support if you prefer.
Drop-in service
Our convenient drop-in sessions are great for keeping in touch, or floating those new ideas. Available in Wooler, Bellingham, Haydon Bridge, Newbiggin-by-the-Sea, Seahouses and Winlaton. Visit our events page for details.
Design led business planning
We’ll help you identify the needs of your customers and design the products and services that enable you to meet their needs using design thinking. This is a quick and efficient way to ensure your ideas are ready for market.
E-learning
Access flexible, on-line business training, available 24/7. It’s packed with insights you can apply to your businesses straight away.
Rural enterprise workshops for colleges and universities
Equip students with essential entrepreneurial skills and insights to help them succeed in rural business.
How do I access support?
Get in touch with our Rural Start-up Advisor and we’ll go from there. It all starts with a conversation.
Project funded by
