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Empowering Dreams, Fuelling Success

Don’t let your business idea remain just a dream – make it a reality. Durham Startups provides a single point of contact for you to access a broad range of business support in County Durham.

Let us introduce you to one of our startup solutions advisors who will identify your business support needs and connect you to a wide range of experts, workshops and more.

Durham Startups (part of Enterprising Durham Framework) is funded by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund until March 2025.

Start Your Journey

Supporting Your Success

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Enterprising People

Durham Startup partners work in schools, further and higher education and in local communities to enable a ‘can do’ attitude, help identify new business opportunities and raise awareness of enterprise through a range of support and workshops across County Durham.

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Enterprising Startups

Durham Startups provides you with a single point of contact to access your own start-up solutions adviser. They can assist you in developing your business skills, making you enterprise ready, and connect you with a broad range of experts in digital marketing, raising finance, networking and more to build a successful, sustainable business in County Durham.

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Enterprising Places

Durham Startups will be launching ‘Enterprise Roadshows’ in a community venue near you. We invite you to attend our enterprising activities to find out more about new opportunities and unleash your potential to develop new ideas that may lead to you to starting a great business in County Durham.

Your Toolkit for Growth

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Smarta eLearning

Business skills aren’t typically taught at school, so aspiring entrepreneurs often need help with the fundamentals to make their start-up business a success.

Durham Startups have teamed up with SMARTA elearning to solve this challenge. Get access to business, finance and marketing training to upskill yourself rapidly in your own time and at your own pace.

Please note: Registration is required and you must be based in County Durham.

Find Out More

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Startup Roadmap

Coming Soon

We’re developing a startup roadmap that will provide you with guidance, help and information on how to make you enterprise-ready. The startup roadmap will be made available as a printable download and electronic version that you can complete online and will be an essential resource for your startup success.

Join the waitlist

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Taster Session Workshops

Coming Soon

We’re working with some of our very own Durham Startup specialist experts to provide taster session videos on topics such as finding new business opportunities, bidding for contracts, understanding social value as a startup and more. And remember, if you get in touch, we have a range of in-person and online workshops that can help you further.

Join the waitlist

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Supporting your Startup

If you’re thinking of starting your business – or even if it’s never crossed your mind until now – we’re here to help. Through Durham Startups we will provide the support and expertise you need… and it won’t cost you a penny.

Start Your Journey

Upcoming Events

Fresh Insights

Stories from Real People

Frequently Asked Questions

Meet Our Partners

Durham Startups Programmes

Durham City Incubator

Durham City Incubator (DCI) is an intensive six month programme for entrepreneurs with new high growth businesses in County Durham. DCI supports founders who have innovative ideas and aim to scale their business to serve local, national, and international markets. DCI works in partnership with Durham University and New College Durham and welcomes student start-ups to apply.

Find out more about Durham City Incubator

Future Business Magnates

Future Business Magnates is a suite of programmes which introduces young people to the world of business and enterprise through a experiential set of activities and competitions. The scheme has been operating since 2004 and has helped young people from across County Durham start their journey into the world of work and enterprise.

Find out more about Future Business Magnates

Create Your Account

Durham Startups is filled with essential resources and tools designed to help kickstart your business idea. Register for your free account to gain access to:

  • Essential startup business, finance and marketing training through Smarta eLearning
  • Exclusive online and in-person startup workshops and events in the County Durham region
  • Tailored guidance to help your startup thrive

Over the coming months, Durham Startups will evolve into a one-stop shop for all your startup needs. Upcoming features include:

  • Detailed diagnostic to support your unique startup journey
  • Personalised action plans to accelerate your business progress
  • AI-powered business tools and templates
  • Comprehensive startup guidance and success stories

When registering, don’t forget to join our mailing list to be the first to learn about these exciting new additions.

Create Your Account

Connect With Us

Don’t let your business idea remain just a dream – make it a reality with Durham Startups. Contact us today and we’ll connect you with one of our startup solutions advisers. Let’s work together to build a successful and sustainable business in County Durham. Your success story begins here!

0191 6251221 durhamstartups@weareumi.co.uk

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