Could you be the next Apple?

Applications are now open to Startup Awards North East, and anyone 16 years + who is based in the North East is eligible! Whether you are tinkering in your garage or a fully blown tech tycoon, there is a category for everyone. #SkillUP for those curious about starting up, #StartUP for registered businesses with a turnover of less than £50,000, and #ScaleUP for businesses who are making more than £50,000.

Click the here to apply or contact hello@startupawardsne.co.uk for more information. 

Big plans ahead but not sure how to get there?

 Understanding Enterprise is a free qualification which helps learners to identify goals and develop skills to put plans into action. FIRST have supported over 100 learners last year, who took the FIRST step and have went on to grow their ideas launching businesses, websites, collaborating with peers, gaining new customers and winning awards.

The course is delivered in bitesize, virtual sessions so you can earn your qualification around your busy schedule. FIRST have limited places left for the course starting 1st February. Click the button below to sign up or contact masud@youarefirst.co.uk for more information. 

Looking to unlock finance for your startup? 

Transmit Startups are supporting the British Business Bank in promoting and organising an an online webinar titled 'Unlocking Finance for Your Startup'. It is a virtual event that will give startups, entrepreneurs, and support agencies in the North East an update on how to unlock finance that is available from the British Business Bank’s Start Up Loans scheme. Viewers that take part will have the opportunity to hear from two expert panels about how the Government's Start Up Loan scheme can support entrepreneurs in the North East of England. The free live event will take place on Friday 28th January from 10.15am - 11.30am. You can sign up via the Eventbrite listing, here. 

Tips and Guidance for that Award Winning Pitch 

Innovation Super Network and British Business Bank are running a series of Access to Finance webinars taking place in February 2022. Preparing to Pitch is the 2nd in the series of FREE online workshops packed full of practical and invaluable help for #northeast #SMES to strengthen that all-important proposition to investors and funders.

The session is led by Innovation Super Network's very own Jordan Dargue, a specialist is helping businesses secure funding from investors. There will also be a workshop led by B2B marketing agency Horizon Works who will guide you through the fundamentals of marketing to investors.

Sign up here

The FSB Celebrating Small Business Awards

On average over 8000 small businesses register and enter our awards programme. The awards are free to enter and open to members and non-members.

Deadline for entries for North East businesses is 30 January. The winners will be crowned at a glamourous lunchtime event on 21 March 2022 at the Newcastle-Gateshead Marriot Hotel.

Are you a Tees Valley tech startup?  

The Digital City Accelerator programme has been designed to accelerate the growth of early-stage tech companies in the Tees Valley who are in the process of launching or planning to launch new to market products and services.

Applications are open to early stage digital businesses that are both based in Tees Valley and have been trading for up to 18 months. If you want to receive fully funded 1-2-1 mentoring, industry expert knowledge and access to a business development grant then this could be for you!

Further details can be found here. Applications close Friday 28th January.

Whether you are looking to change career or dream of being the next Apple Understanding Enterprise you to put your plans in place.

Masud Raja, Recruitment Officer at FIRST will be attending a drop in session:

• North Shields Library
• Northumberland Sq, North Shields NE30 1QU
• Friday 21st January
• 1pm - 4pm drop in

FIRST Team will also be at Tynemouth Market on Saturday and Sunday 22nd and 23rd January where you can pop along and ask us anything!

We have handpicked some other great events and opportunities in the region this month below:-

• NE1 Business Breakfast an informal breakfast networking event at Innside Melia, Thursday 20th January 8am - 10am 
• Startup Smart: Start your own business in Newcastle! 2 day interactive intense programme with PNE
  21st and 28th January
• New Year, New You: Goal Setting Workshop. Set yourself up for an amazing year with 3 hour workshop £35 with Unique Thinking Coaching. Saturday 22nd January 10am - 1pm 
• Digital Support for Sunderland VCEs with Sunderland Software City. Find out how digital can help you best serve your communities and build resilience in your organisation.  Tuesday 25th and Wednesday 26th January
• Start Me Up! - Building the foundations as you start your business. Free event for advice and guidance to business start ups. Supported by FW Capital, Jackson Business Law and Azets. Tuesday 15th February 9am - 10:30am