New programme to help North Tyneside businesses prepare for growth funding
North Tyneside businesses with ambitions to grow and attract external investment are being offered specialist support through a new programme designed to help them become investment ready and unlock future growth.
Whether a business is planning to recruit staff, strengthen skills within its workforce, invest in equipment, launch a new product, or secure funding to accelerate growth, the challenge is often knowing where to start.
The new North Tyneside Investment Readiness Programme has been created to help local businesses understand their options, identify opportunities for growth and become better prepared to access funding and investment when the time is right.
Launched by Business North Tyneside, North Tyneside Council’s business support programme and delivered by national business support specialist UMi, the programme will provide practical guidance, expert support and a clear roadmap for businesses with ambitions to grow. The programme is funded by the North East Mayoral Strategic Authority (North East MSA).
Independent evaluation of similar support programmes found that 62% of participating businesses secured funding, or expected to do so within 12 months, highlighting the benefits of preparing for investment before approaching funders or investors.
Through a series of interactive workshops, businesses will gain a better understanding of the funding landscape, explore different finance options and learn what investors and funders look for when supporting growth.
The programme is particularly suited to businesses in North Tyneside that:
- Have plans to grow but are unsure how to fund them.
- Want to recruit and develop their workforce.
- Are considering investing in new products, services or equipment.
- Want to expand into new markets or increase capacity.
- Need support to understand funding and investment opportunities.
- Are looking to build a stronger, more resilient business for the future.
Participants will explore how to validate market opportunities, strengthen their business model, demonstrate growth potential and communicate their plans effectively to investors and funders.
Businesses will also leave the programme with practical tools and a tailored action plan to help guide their future growth journey.
Cllr Charlie Gray, Cabinet Member responsible for Regeneration and Economic Development, said: “North Tyneside is home to so many incredible, hugely ambitious businesses and as they grow, they create opportunities. This growth creates jobs, supports the development of skills, attracts investment and strengthens the local economy.
“Investing in our businesses is investing in the future of North Tyneside. We know that many businesses have exciting plans for growth but can sometimes be unsure about the funding and investment opportunities available to help them realise those ambitions. This programme has been designed to provide practical support, expert guidance and the confidence businesses need to take the next step.
“We want businesses of all sizes to know that support is available and we’d encourage any eligible businesses to take advantage of this opportunity and explore how the programme can support their future plans.”
Simon Allen, Head of Programmes and Partnerships at UMi, said: "Across North Tyneside, there are businesses with fantastic ideas, growth ambitions and opportunities to create jobs and invest in their future.
"Being investment ready isn't just about raising finance. It's about building a stronger business, understanding your market, demonstrating your potential and creating a clear plan for sustainable growth."
The programme will consist of three in-person workshops at the Linskill Centre, North Shields, covering the key stages of becoming investment ready.
The first workshop, Defining the Opportunity, takes place on 22 September, exploring growth ambitions, funding options and investment readiness.
The second workshop, Validating Markets & Business Models, will be held on 13 October, helping businesses understand market demand, customer needs and how to demonstrate a scalable business proposition.
The final workshop, Building Investor Confidence, takes place on 3 November, focusing on how businesses can showcase their strengths, growth plans and future potential to investors and funders.
Selected businesses with strong growth potential may also be offered tailored one-to-one support following the workshops.
Applications are now open, with businesses encouraged to submit an expression of interest by Tuesday 8 September 2026.
There are a total of 20 funded places for North Tyneside businesses available, you can find out more and submit an expression of interest at: https://businessnorthtyneside.co.uk/north-tyneside-investor-readiness-programme/