North East startup superstars

FIRST is on mission to create North East start-up superstars

With a 17% drop in new North East businesses, an entrepreneur has made it her mission to reverse the trend and inspire a new generation of entrepreneurialism.

Charlotte Windebank, MD of FIRST and host of Startup Awards North East (Supported by Business Enterprise Fund), is gearing up to celebrate start-up successes and encourage others to realise their ambitions of launching their own companies.

FIRST, which specialises in helping early-stage business owners with access to information, opportunities and support, wants to boost business start-up rates.

Charlotte said: “I know the challenges of our entrepreneurial landscape and how it’s led to lower start-up rates. Fewer women founders and a scarcity of businesses compared to other regions that maintain stable levels. The North East is moving in the opposite direction, but this doesn’t reflect a lack of ambition, talent or vision.

“FIRST harnesses potential by building on the things we’re good at and creating communities that generate sustained growth and success. It would be great to see our ambitious and successful people building global businesses in the North East.”

In 2008, Charlotte took on the awards, previously named “If we can, you can challenge”, from the Entrepreneurs' Forum, to honour and inspire business owners by celebrating, signposting and empowering early-stage founders. It aims to ignite innovation and accelerate growth, providing people with the tools and connections to thrive.

She added, “It’s vital we do everything possible to reverse the trend and improve our region’s statistics. While we may lag in start-up survival rates, our determination to champion those taking the leap to create start-up enterprises must be acknowledged.

“We have some fantastic role models, from Dame Irene Hays, whose leadership at Hays Travel shows how far ambition can take you, to TrendBible’s Joanna Feeley, who’s grown a global agency while based in the region. Celebrating success at start-up stage plays a crucial role in building a resilient ecosystem to inspires founders to take the next step.”

The Awards, supported by Business Enterprise Fund (BEF), offer early-stage founders the opportunity for recognition, expert guidance and access to valuable support networks across the North East. As well as the awards event, it is also a catalyst for ambitious individuals to turn passions and dreams into thriving businesses.

Award categories include:

o SkillUP: For aspiring entrepreneurs shaping their business ideas.

o StartUP: For newly established businesses generating less than £15,000 in revenue.

o ScaleUP: For growth-focused businesses surpassing £15,000 in turnover.

Business Enterprise Fund’s (BEF) continued partnership demonstrates commitment to backing emerging North East businesses and strengthening the startup ecosystem.

“Startups are the lifeblood of a thriving economy,” said Stephen Waud, CEO of BEF. “The North East is full of ambitious entrepreneurs requiring the support to turn ideas into sustainable businesses, and that’s what we’re here to provide. By supporting these awards, we are investing in the next generation of business leaders, giving them the visibility, financial backing, and expert connections needed to grow with confidence."

Square One Law sponsors the ScaleUP category, now in its third year, reinforcing a commitment to championing high-growth businesses and entrepreneurial success. A trusted legal partner, Square One provides strategic guidance to help businesses scale confidently.

Managing Partner, Gill Hunter said: “We’ve got a region full of talent that just needs a bit of support to get started. By working with and supporting FIRST, we're helping to back ambitious entrepreneurs and create the right conditions for them to grow. With a supportive business community behind them, they’re well placed to scale and thrive – helping to make the North East an even better place to do business."

⭐ To get involved with this years Startup Awards North East, click the link here.

⭐ View last years finalists here.