Fully-Funded Support for Newcastle, Gateshead, Sunderland, North Tyneside and Northumberland SMEs

ANNOUNCEMENT

Citylife Business Support is Back!

We’re excited to announce the return of the Citylife Business Support Program, offering fully-funded support for SMEs in Newcastle, Gateshead, Sunderland, Northumberland, and South Tyneside.

Applications are now open, giving you access to expert guidance, resources, and tailored solutions to help your business grow.

At HiThrive, we’re here to support you through challenges and help your business thrive. Schedule a call today to discuss how we can help.

Three people having a business meeting around a table with a laptop, a tablet, and documents; one person is pointing at the laptop screen.
Logo with text 'Citylife Business Support' on a white background.

The Citylife Business Support programme is developed and supported by:

Logo of North Tyneside Council with a colorful crest featuring a lion and shield above the council's name.
UK Government funding logo with royal crest and text "Funded by UK Government."
North East Combined Authority logo with stylized 'NE' and an arrow.
Business & IP Centre North East logo
Text reading "City of Sunderland" in red on a white background.
Gateshead Council logo with an abstract building design above the text.
Northumberland County Council logo featuring a stylized yellow and red checkered flag above the text "Northumberland County Council."

BENEFITS

What’s in it for you?

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12 hours of free support

Up to twelve hours of free support from a Business & IP Centre North East (BIPC) Expert in Residence.

Person writing on a board filled with colorful sticky notes in an office setting.

Tailored Workshops

Tailored workshops designed specifically to meet the unique requirements and challenges of your business.

Audience seated at a conference, watching a presentation, with dim lighting and focus on individuals in the front rows.

Events programme

Access to a free events program covering current business challenges, funding landscape, resilience, and innovation.

Has the Citylife funding launched in my area?

Gateshead
Applications Open

Sunderland
Applications Open

Northumberland
Applications Paused

North Tyneside
Applications Paused

Newcastle
Applications Open

HOW TO QUALIFY

Here are the requirements for Citylife funding:

01

Your business must be a micro, small, or medium-sized enterprise located within the local authority areas of Newcastle upon Tyne, Gateshead, Sunderland, Northumberland, or North Tyneside.

02

Your business must demonstrate a commitment to either safeguarding existing positions or creating new job opportunities.

03

To qualify as an SME, your business cannot exceed 250 employees during a financial year, have an annual turnover surpassing £36m, or a balance sheet total over £18m.

FAQs about
Citylife Funding

  • As a Citylife Expert, HiThrive provides tailored advice to meet your unique needs. This may include one-to-one advice, online or in-person consultations, or even project assistance. Topics covered include improving business performance, audits, turnaround strategies, sales growth, and strategic planning.

  • Citylife Experts are small businesses or support organisations partnering with BIPC North East. They may be part of the Experts-in-Residence program or have delivered workshops and events organised by BIPC

  • Schedule a free initial meeting with us to discuss your business and the areas where you are looking for support. Further meetings or support can be agreed upon during the first meeting.

  • While larger projects can be undertaken, the Citylife Business Support scheme only funds the first twelve hours provided by the Expert. The remaining balance must be paid upon completion of the work.

  • Don't worry! The BIPC team will assist you in selecting the right Expert. You can even split your 12 hours between up to two experts. The service is flexible and tailored to your business needs.

    In addition, SMEs can access a free online events program focused on resilience, innovation, and COVID-19 business challenges.

    Have more questions or want to discuss how the Citylife Business Support scheme can benefit your business? Get in touch with us. Together, let's thrive with Citylife!

  • Once the support is delivered and you’ve signed-off as completed, the Citylife grant will be paid into your business bank account. You can then use it to pay the Expert.

    The grant will include the Expert’s fee plus VAT if your business is not registered for VAT. If you are registered for VAT, the grant will NOT include VAT, and you will have to pay this element yourself.

  • Yes, you can! If you’ve accessed funding before, the only condition is that you’ll need to select a different Expert this time. With over 50 Experts available, this is a fantastic chance to gain fresh perspectives and tap into new expertise tailored to your needs. Don’t miss out—apply now to continue driving your business forward!

Together, let’s thrive with Citylife!