Aspiring entrepreneurs in the North East are set to benefit from an extra £1.9m of funding over the next three years.
The area’s regional development agency, One NorthEast, has approved the additional grant to expand work by the region’s Entrepreneurs’ Forum.
Some of the cash will be used to build on the forum’s mentoring programme which links budding entrepreneurs with support and advice from experienced business owners.
The money will also be used to fund practical workshops and seminars, as well as interactive websites, podcasting and instant messaging.
“We need a real step change to make that happen,” said Ian Williams, One NorthEast’s director of business and industry.
“We have many successful entrepreneurs in the North East who are extremely well-placed to inspire others, and willing to give their time and energy to offer coaching and guidance to those who are just starting out.
“We have to make the most of that valuable resource, which is the equivalent of significant private sector investment for the region.”
The three-year funding programme will support more than 1,700 businesses, according to One NorthEast.
“There is no better way to learn than from those who have been there and done it,” said Carole Beverley, chief executive of the Entrepreneurs’ Forum. “After all, success as they say, breeds success.”
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