Durham Business Opportunities Programme (DBOP)

The Durham Business Opportunities Programme (DBOP) is a business support programme, funded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) helping County Durham businesses spot opportunities for sustainable growth.

The DBOP programme aims to help your County Durham business by linking you with opportunities for growth. From a new contract, to finding new premises, a new supplier or perhaps some investment, the team can talk through the options with you.

This programme focuses on reaching companies that have not taken up business support previously. Our team will work with you to understand the challenges you may face, the barriers to growth and above all, to identify and provide you with the help to access the support that’s right for your business.

We have become the first port of call for many County Durham businesses, helping them:

• win new business
• recruit the best staff
• secure funding
• discover supply chain opportunities
• overcome barriers to growth

The DBOP team aim to simplify the support available, and help you identify opportunities for growth.

Sector specific support programmes

The DBOP programme includes a number of sector specific support programmes. These programmes focus on sectors identified as having high growth potential. The programme includes one-to-one support in addition to professional workshops delivered by industry experts to help businesses take advantage of opportunities.

We currently have three sector specific support programmes including:

• DBOP Construction Routes to contract Success – find out more.
• DBOP COVID Recovery Support – find out more
• DBOP Engineering and Manufacturing Sales Transformation Programme – find out more

Events and workshops

Explore the benefits of attending our varied events programme to expand your network, broaden your knowledge and raise your profile. Our events often welcome expert speakers providing guidance on a range of specialist business topics.

Businesses we’ve helped

Engineering and Manufacturing Network (EMN)

DBOP works closely with EMN, the organisation tasked with supporting the continued growth of the area’s engineering and manufacturing industries.

County Durham has a rich history in this sector and is home to hundreds of businesses, contributing millions of pounds to our economy employing thousands of people.

County Durham Engineering Manufacturing Network take the lead on engagement with SMEs in the engineering and manufacturing sector, in particular by identifying market opportunities.

Contact us

If your business is based in County Durham and would like us to explore the opportunities for growth please contact us: DBOPEnquiries@durham.gov.uk.

The Durham Business Opportunities Programme is a six-year programme for SMEs running up until November 2022. It is funded through ERDF and delivered by Business Durham, the business support service for Durham County Council, helping to deliver more and better jobs and a strong competitive economy.