Have you ever thought about starting your own business?  Have you got an idea, but not sure what to do with it?  Perhaps you’ve wondered whether you have the right skills to pursue your dream. 

If you currently live in County Durham, or you’re looking to start your business in County Durham, there is someone who can support you every step of the way and provide business start-up and funding advice, as well as training courses to support you in preparing your business.

If you want to find out more contact one of the Enterprise Agencies:

CDC Enterprise Agency (CDC)

Your local start up provider for Durham City or Chester-le-Street, CDC is your local business start-up provider.
Contact Details:
Telephone: 01913845407
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Derwentside Enterprise Agency (DEA)

If you live or will set up your business in Consett, Stanley or Lanchester area, DEA is your local business start-up provider.
Contact Details:
Telephone: 01207 580011
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East Durham Enterprise Agency (EDBS)

If you live or will set up your business in Easington, Peterlee or Seaham area, EDBS is your local business start-up provider.
Contact Details:
Telephone: 01915863366
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South Durham Enterprise Agency (SDEA)

If you live or will set up your business in the areas of Sedgefield, Weardale or Teesdale, SDEA is your local business start-up provider.
Contact Details:
Telephone: 01388 776688
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The following organisations may also be able to help you:

Prince’s Trust

Have a number of programmes targeted at helping young people. You can find information on the programmes that are delivered in the North East through the following link:
http://www.princes-trust.org.uk/about_the_trust/in_your_region/north_east.aspx
Or on the phone number 0800 842842

Northern Pinetree Trust

Provides a full programme of business and enterprise support for disabled and disadvantaged people. 
Telephone: 0191 4928215 or 01914928219
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Gov.uk

Gov.uk, the government's enhanced online resource for businesses with new, easy-to-use tools to help you start up, improve and grow your business. It can be accessed through the following link:
https://www.gov.uk/browse/business

HMRC

HMRC offer a full range of educational services, including “off the shelf” products.   

Below are details of some of the training products available:-

Workshops - presentations or seminars – subjects include tax, National Insurance, VAT. 

Webinars –  live webinars these are now shown via the HMRC website at http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/webinars.

E Learning – e learning packages available including a generic Starting in Business, the Construction Industry Scheme, and some trade specific self employment guides for Foster Carers, Childminders, Driving Instructor and hair and beauty. 

Visit the generic URL link for the “Starting in Business” training – www.hmrc.gov.uk/courses/syob/syob/index.html

For the construction industry visit: - http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/courses/syob/ci/index.html

Start up Loans

If you are aged between 18-30 and have a bright idea for a business then you may be eligible for the Start Up Loans Programme.  For more information visit www.transmitstartups.co.uk/start-up-loans