The first step in getting a business idea off the ground is meeting up with our specialist team and talking over your ideas. We will explain how we can help and if necessary, direct you to other organisations that can be of assistance.

How can we help?

We also offer support to existing businesses and can provide a range of support including Enterprise Coaching.  If you are looking to expand or re-locate to Gateshead, we will help you to:

Set goals

Once you are sure that your idea can succeed we will help you plan the next step to get the enterprise off the ground. You will need to:

• Set the overall aim of the business;
• Describe how you will achieve your aims;
• Identify your training needs;
• Measure the size of the business.

Research

It is imperative that you carry out some market research before you go any further with your idea. You will need to know how many potential customers will want your product or service, how many competitors there will be and how your offering will be different to what’s already out there.

Write a business plan

Once you have decided what your business is going to do you will need to put your plans down on paper. Business planning |is a crucial part of any start-up, keeping you focused on your aims and establishing a blueprint for future success.

Find investors

Most businesses need some money to get off the ground and you will probably need some capital to get started. This may come from the banks, individual investors, awarding bodies or in the form of grants. Whatever the scenario we can help you decide which route to chase and how to apply with the best chance of success.

Make it legal

There are a number of different options when you first set up a business and what legal form it will take. You may want to start as a sole trader, partnership or limited company and we can offer advice on the best option for you and help with the necessary paperwork and registration documents. We can also help you navigate National Insurance, Tax, and other tricky issues.

Open for business

When you are ready to start trading we will help put your plans into action, identify premises, employ local people and source possible funding. We will also provide ongoing support once you are up and running and we already have strong relationships with thousands of businesses in the area.