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North East Help Hub

Help for businesses

Grants, loans and bills

County Durham business grants for shops and hospitality

Durham County Council runs grants for improving premises, bringing empty shops back into use, temporary 'meanwhile' uses, and a Retail Start Up Grant covering six months of costs for new shops and cafés.

Worth: Grants and interest-free loans; amounts depend on the scheme

Email the Community Economic Development team at CED@durham.gov.uk or ring 03000 267 967.

Go to official page 03000 267 967

Run by Durham County Council · Last checked 14 Oct 2026

Energy Ombudsman for small businesses

If your energy supplier or broker has treated you unfairly, overbilled you or won't sort a complaint, the Energy Ombudsman now handles small business disputes for free.

Worth: Free

Complain to your supplier in writing. After 8 weeks, or sooner if they send a deadlock letter, register the dispute on the Energy Ombudsman website. There's no government energy bill support for businesses in 2026, so this and renegotiating your contract are the main routes.

Go to official page

Run by Energy Ombudsman · Last checked 14 Oct 2026

Hartlepool shopfront improvement grant

Grants of up to £20,000 for new shopfronts, signage and external improvements for businesses on York Road and Raby Road.

Worth: Up to £20,000, with at least 25% from you

Through Hartlepool Borough Council's business improvement grants page.

Go to official page

Run by Hartlepool Borough Council · Last checked 14 Oct 2026

Small Business Commissioner: late payment

If a bigger business owes you money and won't pay, the Small Business Commissioner will investigate for free and can name poor payers publicly.

Worth: Free

Complain online or ring 0121 695 7770. You'll hear within 2 working days whether they can take it on.

Go to official page 0121 695 7770

Run by Office of the Small Business Commissioner · Last checked 14 Oct 2026

Start Up Loan

A government-backed personal loan of £500 to £25,000 for businesses trading less than five years, with a year of free mentoring.

Worth: £500 to £25,000 at a fixed 7.5% a year, no fees

Apply online through Start Up Loans. In the North East, the Business Enterprise Fund delivers it.

Go to official page

Run by British Business Bank · Last checked 14 Oct 2026

Sunderland Business Support Fund

Up to 40% towards outside expertise, such as marketing, a website or growth planning, for projects costing £3,000 to £6,000.

Worth: Up to 40% of a £3,000 to £6,000 project

Through the North East Growth Hub listing, delivered by NBSL. Email fundingsupport@nbsl.org.uk to check it's still open.

Go to official page

Run by Sunderland City Council with NBSL · Last checked 14 Oct 2026

Also: Business rates · Tax and HMRC · Staff and apprentices · Free advice and someone to talk to