BIC Start Up
Support to start your business
Got a desire to turn your hobby into a business? Tiring of night shift or the monotonous 9-5 routine?
Our free, fully funded business support could help you finally become your own boss.
We have almost 30 years experience helping people like you become entrepreneurs, so you can rest assured you’re in good hands.
From registering a business to securing your first customers, BICStartUp advisers will guide you through the entire journey of starting and growing your business.
How can the BIC help?
Support to suit you
- Face to face meetings
- Video chat (e.g. Zoom)
- Workshops
- Resources and templates
- Ongoing phone and email support
Speak to one of our advisers
Want to begin your journey into self-employment? Contact our advisers today to talk through your options.
Get your business off to a flying start...
*These workshops are available for anyone setting up a business in Tyne & Wear, Durham or Northumberland.
Veterans RV
A 12 week programme comprising of informal one to one, group mentoring and training to help veterans explore the idea of becoming their own boss.
Starting a Social Enterprise
Want to change the world as well as your employment status? If you have a business idea that could help improve society, then our tailored social enterprise support could help you become a social entrepreneur.
RISE Programme
The RISE Entrepreneurship programme provides a range of services designed to help entrepreneurial refugees discuss and test new ideas and launch their business.
Customer Stories
Inspired by the traditional milk round, The Bottle Swap operates a refill delivery service providing plastic-free, eco-friendly cleaning and personal care products to customers across the North East.
Husband and wife Frederick and Jennifer Dawson launched their business selling over 240 varieties of traditional sweets and an array of artfully-arranged bouquets after Jennifer was made redundant during the pandemic.
Louise Black launched her own business doing what she loves, designing and making bespoke handmade gifts and keepsakes.
After 15 years of running restaurants for other people, Dadinha Carvalho is now doing it for herself after opening her own café in Newcastle.
Paul Ness launched SafeNess Safety Support Ltd after identifying a gap in the market for the provision of professional face-fit testing to those working in high-hazard industries.
Fiona Pattison opened Rainbows Sensory Space providing a safe place for children, young people and adults with special needs to play, either alone, in groups, or with their families, in a controlled but fun environment.
Ali Williams founded her upcycling business Reinvented with Love after a hobby with a friend turned into a full-time business.
Donna Surtees was inspired to take the lead and follow her dream of becoming a dog trainer, setting up Wear Dogs whilst in full-time employment.
Funding and finance
One of the first challenges entrepreneurs often face when launching a business is raising money to get their concept off the ground.
You’ll be asking yourself…
- How much money will I need to start?
- Where can I find investment or get a loan for my business?
Your startup adviser can talk to you about the many sources of funding and finance to support your new business, including ….
Transmit Start Up Loans
The BIC is a an approved business partner of Transmit Start Ups to deliver loans up to £25,000.
Tide Bank Partnership
Get a sole trader or limited company bank account and we’ll put £50 in to the account to get you started.
“It’s daunting setting up a business and the BIC really gave me the confidence to make the leap. Although I’d had the idea for some time, you’re always asking yourself: ‘Why has nobody done this before? Why has it not been allowed? Is there actually a market for it?"
Speak to one of our advisers
Want to begin your journey into self-employment? Contact our advisers today to talk through your options.
