Sarah Slaven – Business Durham ’ s interim managing director .
Business Durham ’ s Sarah Slaven added : “ As well as existing companies looking to innovate , we have a programme designed to help those just setting off with their business – Durham Ambitious Business Start-ups ( DABS ).
“ DABS is celebrating its first year having helped 100 entrepreneurs to start or progress with their business .”
Jenny Halford , who leads DABS , explained : “ It is an accelerator programme unique in offering two support packages depending on the stage the business has reached - one for those who have a great idea and have not yet started their business , the second for those new entrepreneurs at the start of their exciting journey .
“ Our tailored support allows us to help to maximise the success of each business engaged in the programme .
“ DABS fosters a start-up environment throughout the county helping new and prospective business owners support and learn from each other from the early stages of a new business , being supported by like- minded people on their journey . “ Innovation and change is not just the preserve of business . Programmes evolve too with our DABS Sprint , launched earlier this year , which is already proving popular .
“ The new 28-day fast track startup programme is designed to take entrepreneurs from an idea , to being ready to trade over a four-week period .
“ In addition to start-up support , eligible businesses that take part in the DABS programme and are less than 12 months old can apply for a £ 5,000 jobs grant to help them create a new role in their business .
“ This support is invaluable to a fledgling business . Taking on their first employee is a big and exciting step .”
Sarah concluded : “ We want to reassure the business community that Business Durham will continue to support them as we recover from the pandemic .
“ Both programmes , funded by the European Regional Development Fund , complement our others : County Durham Growth Fund , Durham Business Opportunities Programme , Finance Durham and Durham City Incubator , each designed to help businesses at specific stages of their life cycle .
“ Our programmes alongside our team of advisors , who cannot wait to meet with businesses face to face when the time is right , provide an exceptional package of support which I ’ m sure will aid the county ’ s economic recovery .
“ We are investing in our property portfolio and have exciting plans to continue to support County Durham businesses as we look forward to the year ahead with confidence .”
Find out more about all of the support available for County Durham businesses at businessdurham . co . uk
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