Fully-Funded Support for Newcastle, Gateshead and Sunderland SMEs

ANNOUNCEMENT

Exciting news! HiThrive joins Citylife Business Support Scheme

HiThrive is thrilled to be part of the new Citylife Business Support Scheme, offering fully-funded support for eligible small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Newcastle, Gateshead, or Sunderland.

The Citylife Business Support programme is developed and supported by:

BENEFITS

What’s in it for you?

12 hours of free support

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

Tailored Workshops

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

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?

Newcastle
Applications Open

Applications are welcome to businesses that have not previously accessed Citylife support within the past two years.

Gateshead
Applications Open

Sunderland
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, Gateshead, or Sunderland

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.

Together, let’s thrive with Citylife!

If you still have questions or want to discuss how the Citylife Business Support scheme could benefit your business, don’t hesitate to get in touch. Together, let’s thrive with Citylife!