FIRST Thoughts…

VALUING IDEAS

As we step into November, our focus turns to the power of ideas - the sparks that inspire progress, creativity, and connection. Every business, project or partnership begins with one small thought: what if?

At FIRST, we believe that valuing ideas means giving them the time, space and encouragement to grow. Whether it’s nurturing new concepts through Startup Awards North East, sharing knowledge at Northumbria University, or strengthening local networks, this month we’re celebrating the creativity and courage that drive enterprise across our region.

In this edition, we explore how recognising and valuing your ideas - and those of others - can open doors, build courage and lead to lasting impact.

What we got up to in October

STARTUP AWARDS NORTH EAST 2025

Startup Awards North East (headline sponsored by Business Enterprise Fund) brought together so many inspiring people, ideas, and stories - a real celebration of the talent and innovation across our region.

A huge thank you to all our incredible finalists for sharing their journeys, to our guests for bringing such great energy and encouragement, and to our partners for helping make the day possible. The atmosphere was full of excitement, creativity and genuine support - a reminder of what happens when the North East business community comes together to champion enterprise.

We’re so proud to be part of such a vibrant network of people who believe in ideas, collaboration, and opportunity. Congratulations again to everyone involved - what a way to celebrate entrepreneurship in the North East!

A special thank you to:

• Business Enterprise Fund - our headline sponsor.

• PNE - sponsor of the Impact Award within the SkillUP category.

• Hays Travel - sponsor of the StartUP category.

• North East Chamber of Commerce - sponsor of the Impact Award within the StartUP category.

• British Business Bank - sponsor of the High Growth Award within the StartUP category.

• Square One Law - sponsor of the entire ScaleUP category, including the Impact and High Growth Awards.

  
  

Your support makes these awards possible and creates a platform that inspires, celebrates, and empowers the next generation of North East founders.

NORTHUMBRIA UNIVERSITY - CHALLENGING THE MYTH OF THE SELF MADE ENTREPRENEUR

On Friday 17th October, FIRST was delighted to take part in Northumbria University’s panel discussion, Challenging the Myth of the Self-Made Entrepreneur. The event explored the realities behind entrepreneurial success and the networks of support that help founders thrive.

Joanna Sam, Senior Engagement Officer at FIRST, joined the discussion to share insights on the wide range of support available for start-ups and early-stage entrepreneurs across the North East – from idea generation and skills development to networking and investment opportunities.

Students took part in a creative final challenge, presenting three-minute videos that showcased different levels of business support across the UK. The mix of innovation and teamwork made for an inspiring close to the session and highlighted the importance of collaboration in enterprise learning.

It was a fantastic opportunity to connect with students and celebrate the collective effort driving the next generation of business founders in the North East.

COMMUNITY OUTREACH

Community outreach remains at the heart of what we do at FIRST. By attending networking events, community sessions and regional job fairs, we’re able to connect directly with residents and partners across the North East. These face-to-face conversations help us raise awareness of the need for enterprise skills in our region and highlight how developing those skills can open up new pathways into work, education, or self-employment. Each event is an opportunity to share what’s possible through enterprise learning – and to ensure that everyone, regardless of background, has access to the tools and support they need to thrive.

If you’re part of an organisation and would like to learn more about partnership opportunities - or to find out how FIRST can support you on an individual basis, contact us here

Life in Motion: Case Study

FROM LAW TO WATERCOLOUR: HOW WIKTORIA FOUND FREEDOM THROUGH ART

For five years, Wiktoria Anna built a successful career in the legal industry after earning her master’s in law and graduating in 2018. But by 2023, she realised that being a solicitor was no longer where her heart lay. “It was too stressful, and I just knew it wasn’t what I wanted to do,” she reflected. So, she made the brave decision to step away from law entirely and pursue her passion for art and creativity. 

The transition to self-employment took Wiktoria on a journey. She spent her first year focusing on selling her artwork but quickly found that it wasn’t enough to provide her with a reliable income. To diversify her income and connect with others, she began teaching art classes at local rented spaces. That shift not only reignited her creativity but also transformed her business.

“Teaching really changed things for me,” she explained. “It helped me grow as an artist and as a business owner.”

Alongside her classes, Wiktoria continued to sell her artwork and developed her own watercolour kits, giving learners the chance to keep painting at home. Each kit includes an eBook written by Wiktoria herself, guiding beginners through the principles of watercolour painting. “Before, people would come to my workshops, use my materials, and then have nothing to paint with afterwards,” she said. “Now, they can take the experience home and keep creating.”

Her monthly workshops quickly became known for their relaxed, welcoming atmosphere, with all materials, refreshments and professional-grade supplies included. But it was a chance encounter on Instagram that would help take her next big step.

Read the rest of Wiktoria’s story here

November’s Plans

CALLING ALL STARTUPS AND NEW FOUNDERS – HAVE YOUR SAY FOR A CHANCE TO WIN A £50 VOUCHER!

Have your say!

We’d love to hear from you about your experiences of enterprise in the North East. Your feedback will help us better understand the real barriers and opportunities for new founders across our region – and shape the support available in the future.

💬 Take a few minutes to complete our short survey using the link below, and you’ll be entered into a prize draw to win a £50 voucher.

FILL IN THE SURVEY

The winner will be chosen at random at the end of March.

GET BUSINESS READY IN GATESHEAD WITH ENTERPRISING NORTH

Enterprising North is bringing free and approachable business support into the heart of Gateshead’s communities, making it easier for local people to access guidance that meets them where they are.

Through relaxed drop-in sessions at The Bank in Chopwell every Friday, Winlaton Community Centre on 6th, and the Land of Oak and Iron Centre on 12th, residents can connect with our friendly team to explore business ideas, develop side hustles, or grow existing ventures.

Each informal session offers the chance to uncover personal passions, learn about local support, build confidence, and make meaningful business connections. Those ready to take their next step will also be linked into the wider Enterprising North network, ensuring ongoing access to tailored advice and opportunities for growth.

REACHING EVERY CORNER OF THE COMMUNITY

This month, FIRST is continuing its work within the community through a series of bespoke courses developed in partnership with local charities, including WERS and The Angelou Centre. These collaborations are designed to ensure that everyone, regardless of background or circumstance, has access to inclusive learning and enterprise opportunities. We’re also delivering a number of taster sessions with organisations such as Just for Women, The Oswin Project, and Sunderland CFO, helping even more people across the region explore their potential and take the first step towards their next opportunity.

If you’re part of an organisation and would like to explore how we could work together to support your community, get in touch here.

NOVEMBER’S FREE, ACCREDITED BUSINESS COURSES

Our level one and level two business courses offer fully funded, nationally recognised qualifications designed to help learners in the North East explore their ambitions and take practical steps towards their goals. Level one provides a supportive space to build courage and understand the basics of business and enterprise, while Level two focuses on developing skills, preparing learners for employment, further study, or starting their own venture. Both courses are delivered by a friendly, experienced team who listen, encourage, and celebrate every achievement along the way.

Level One Business Course
📅 Starts 2nd December 2025
💻 Delivered in person (Gateshead)

Level Two Business Course
📅 Starts 11th November 2025
💻 Hybrid model - Delivered in person (Gateshead) and online

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Don’t just take our word for it - here’s what one of our learners had to say:

"It opened my eyes to learn more about myself and helped me realise my potential - to believe that I can actually do this and stay motivated. I learned so much about business and about myself that I didn’t even know before"