Get Business Ready In Gateshead With Enterprising North

Enterprising North is continuing to bring free, local business support into communities across Gateshead, making it easier for residents to access advice right on their doorstep. Our Engagement Coordinator, Sam Clark, will be hosting informal drop-in sessions where people can explore business ideas, side hustles, or ways to grow and strengthen an existing venture. These sessions offer a relaxed space to ask questions, gain guidance and take the next step towards becoming business ready.

Chopwell

Where: The Bank, NE17 7HU

When: 09.01.26, 23.01.26, 06.02.26, 20.02.26

Winlaton

Where: Winlaton Community Centre, NE21 6BY

When: 08.01.26, 05.02.26

Winlaton Mill

Where: The Land of Oak and Iron Centre, NE21 6RU

When: 14.01.26, 11.02.26

Get in touch with Sam: sam.clark@youarefirst.co.uk

£600,000 Boost for Sunderland’s Creative Future

Sunderland has been named a Creative Mayoral Development Zone, backed by £600,000 in funding to support its ambition to become a leading creative hub in the North East. Led by the North East Mayor, Kim McGuinness and the North East Combined Authority, the investment will help progress the next phase of the Riverside Sunderland regeneration programme, including the development of Crown Works Studios.

The initiative builds on over £650 million already invested and aims to create new jobs, attract further investment and expand opportunities for creative businesses and residents across the city.

Read more

Continued Investment in Skills & Enterprise Confirmed for the North East

In December, the North East Combined Authority confirmed continued regional investment in skills, employability and enterprise support as part of its priorities going into 2025. The focus includes supporting people to build skills, move into work and explore self-employment, particularly in communities facing economic disadvantage.

The confirmation provides greater certainty for local programmes supporting business growth, workforce development and inclusive economic recovery across the North East.

Read more

Future-Proofing Business Brunch

What it is: A business brunch and panel discussion hosted by the Business & IP Centre Newcastle that focuses on future-proofing your business. Attendees get insights on digital, finance, marketing and confidence-building - plus networking over lunch.
When: 15th January 2026, North Shields Community Hub & Library.

Tickets: Eventbrite

Upcoming Events

Click on any event to learn more and get tickets!

• How to Write a Business Plan That Works, South Tyneside

• Building a Business That Runs Itself, Durham

• How to actually start your business, South Tyneside

• Cyber Confidence for Small Businesses, Durham

• Keeping it Reel: Authentic Business Content Workshop, Northumberland

• Unlocking AI for Real Business Impact, Newcastle

• Business with Purpose, North Tyneside

• Team Valley Business Networking Event, Gateshead

• Women of Steel Female Focused Business Networking, Newcastle

• Washington Business Networking Event, Newcastle

• Jesmond Business Networking Event, Newcastle

• Growth Starts Here: Understanding Your Customer, Durham

• Gosforth Business Network, Newcastle

• Tynemouth Business Networking Event, North Tyneside

• Creative Enterprise Growth Programme: Business Reset Workshop, Newcastle

• Grow your sales: Ignite Your Sales Success, Newcastle

• Newcastle City Ladies Networking January Meeting, Gateshead

• Free Burnout Busting Masterclass for Business Owners & Senior Leaders, Online

• Platform, Newcastle

FIRST in December

Celebrating, Connecting and Looking Ahead

December has been a busy and festive month at FIRST. We’ve enjoyed connecting with partners and the wider business community at seasonal networking events, including Carols and Connections hosted by the North East Chamber of Commerce. Closer to home, we hosted a festive coffee morning, welcoming members of the community for relaxed conversations and meaningful connections. The month also gave us a chance to celebrate together at our Christmas team night out at Lane 7, as well as catch up with partners and collaborators ahead of the new year to reflect on progress and look ahead to what’s coming next.

Christmas Jumper Day for Children in Need

We were delighted to raise £95 for Children in Need by taking part in Christmas Jumper Day at FIRST. The team embraced the festive spirit, pulling on their Christmas jumpers to support a cause that helps improve the lives of children and young people across the UK. A simple but meaningful way to come together, have some fun and give back this Christmas.

Jodie Freestone: From Yoga Mat to Entrepreneurial Growth with FIRST

When Jodie Freestone first heard about FIRST’s Level One Business Course through Wallsend library, she was already teaching yoga but wanted to understand how to build her work into a sustainable business. What began as curiosity about enterprise has since become a journey of courage, community, and growth - one that’s seen Jodie become a two-time finalist at Startup Awards North East First recognised in the SkillUp category in her first year, before progressing into the StartUp category the following year.

Jodie, founder of JogaHealth, has spent the past six years helping people improve their health and wellbeing through yoga and meditation. But her path to entrepreneurship wasn’t straightforward. After graduating from university in 2015 with a degree in Dance and Choreography, she began a four-year training programme with the British Wheel of Yoga, during which she discovered how deeply yoga could transform lives - including her own.

Read the rest of Jodie’s story here.