New support for Northumberland’s rural businesses to be launched at popular venue

Northumberland based micro and small businesses of all stages of growth are invited to the much-anticipated launch of the brand-new business support programme, The Northumberland Small Business Service.

Alnwick Garden will play host to the official launch event on Thursday 12 October during which businesses can hear first hand exactly how the new programme can support them.

The new programme offers a range of support including business diagnostic and brokerage services, startup support for those looking to pursue a business idea as well as an extensive package of 1:2:1 support and workshops to help your business to grow and be more resilient.

The NSBS programme also boasts a new service specifically for farm enterprises in Northumberland to assist in the growth and resilience of farming businesses as well as exploring opportunities for diversification.

The Programme is underpinned by a £2m rural capital Grant Investment Fund which will support eligible businesses in rural areas with clear growth plans to access direct capital investment to expand productive capacity or diversify into new markets or products.

Collectively, the programme activities will help to safeguard and grow Northumberland’s business base, create, and safeguard new jobs and rebalance the rural economy by supporting businesses in responding to challenges and opportunities within their markets and operating environment.

The Northumberland Small Business Service (NSBS) is delivered by Advance Northumberland on behalf of Northumberland County Council and runs from Summer 2023 until 31 March 2026.

The project is part funded by the North of Tyne Combined Authority Investment Fund and by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund and the Rural England Prosperity Fund with the North of Tyne Combined Authority as the lead authority.

The full day event will delve into details about the catalogue of offerings for micro-small businesses, including technical advice and support, themed workshops, support for start-ups for entrepreneurs aged 16+, as well as a bespoke offering for rural farmers who previously have been under-represented in terms of business support available to them.

Cllr Glen Sanderson, Leader of Northumberland County Council, commented: “The launch of the new NSBS programme will help small businesses and entrepreneurs to realise their growth and resilience plans, increase investment and create new jobs, particularly in Northumberland’s rural economy.”

By Matthew Neville – Senior Correspondent, Bdaily

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