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.

Business Start Up advice

How can the BIC help?

Offering free, one to one support to help you launch your company. Over the years we’ve supported over 4,000 business, with 75% still trading after three years. No matter how far you are in your thinking, we can help.

Support to suit you

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...

Free workshops with everything you need to know about starting a business.

*These workshops are available for anyone setting up a business in Tyne & Wear, Durham or Northumberland.

Business Start Up Workshops

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. 

Veterans business support and advice

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

Thousands of aspiring entrepreneurs have trusted the BIC to help them realise their potential since its founding in 1994, including…

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 ….

Start Up and Business Support

“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?"

Rebecca Calvert Legal Services
Transmit Start Up Loans

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

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.

Speak to one of our advisers

Want to begin your journey into self-employment? Contact our advisers today to talk through your options.

Enterprising Sunderland is the overarching title for this business support programme and is funded by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund. Delivered by a unique consortium of delivery partners in Sunderland working together to stimulate entrepreneurial ambition across the city.
Sunderland Council Logo
Funded by UK Gov