Enterprising Sunderland

Enterprising Sunderland is a project designed to unlock the potential of future entrepreneurs within communities and to support businesses from all sectors to grow and innovate.

• From: Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade
• Published: 26 October 2026

• Type of support: Expertise and advice
• Business stage: Start-ups (1-2 years trading) and Established
• Industry: Agriculture and food, Business and finance, Construction, Education and Health
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  Hospitality and catering, IT, digital and creative, Life Sciences, Manufacturing, Mining, Real estate and property, Science and technology, Service industries, Transport and distribution, Travel and leisure, Utilities providers, and Wholesale and retail
• Number of employees: 0 to 9 employees and 10 to 249 employees
• Region: North East

What can you get

Enterprising Sunderland has 3 strands of support available.

Starting a Business

Supporting residents to consider self-employment and provide opportunities for everyone to access free 1:1 tailored advice, workshops and online resources. Eligibility: Available for pre start businesses or individuals looking to explore starting a business

Growth Lab Sunderland

Monthly events where local business owners share insights on how they overcame the common challenges of growing a business. Eligibility: Available for start-up businesses who have been trading for less under 3 years

Business Growth through Innovation

Innovation grant support for businesses who want grow by developing a product, process or service new to the business or new to the market

Who is it for

Open to businesses, with less than 250 employees, based in commercial premises in Sunderland local authority area

on the North East BIC website