Business finance across the North East

Q: Do you lend to businesses across the North East?

Yes. Through BEF North East, part of the BEF Group of CDFIs, we support businesses across Tyne and Wear, County Durham, Northumberland and Tees Valley. Whether you're starting a business, investing in growth or planning your next move, our North East team can help you explore the finance options available. Learn more about BEF North East

Q: What types of businesses do you support?

We support businesses at different stages, from founders starting a new venture to established businesses looking to invest, grow or move forward with confidence.

Q: Can I apply if I'm starting a new business?

Yes. We support start ups through dedicated funding options, including Start Up Loans. You can explore support for new businesses on our Start Ups page.

Q: Do you support established businesses?

Yes. We work with small businesses and growing businesses looking to invest in equipment, working capital, expansion projects or other business priorities.

Q: How do I know which finance option is right for me?

The simplest way to start is by using our finance finder. Answer three quick questions and we'll help point you towards the most relevant funding options for your business.

Businesses need access to finance at different stages of their journey. Some are taking the first step into business ownership. Others are investing in growth, recruiting staff or funding new opportunities.

Who we help

BEF North East is a not for profit CDFI supporting businesses across the North East through fair, relationship led finance.

We work with businesses at different stages, including:

founders starting a business
small businesses looking to invest
established businesses pursuing growth opportunities

The right funding can help a business take its next step, whether that's launching, investing, expanding or improving cash flow.

Areas we cover

Tyne and Wear

We support businesses across Tyne and Wear, including Gateshead, Newcastle upon Tyne, North Shields, South Shields, Sunderland and Washington.

County Durham

We support businesses across County Durham, including Bishop Auckland, Chester le Street, Consett, Darlington, Durham, Newton Aycliffe, Peterlee and Seaham.

Northumberland

We support businesses across Northumberland, including Alnwick, Ashington, Berwick upon Tweed, Blyth, Cramlington, Hexham and Morpeth.

Tees Valley

We support businesses across Tees Valley, including Hartlepool, Middlesbrough, Redcar, Stockton on Tees and Thornaby.

Find the right finance

Once you've confirmed that we lend in your area, explore the funding options that best match your business and plans.

Find your finance

Business loan FAQs

Find answers to common business loan questions, including funding amounts, eligibility and how business finance could help support your plans for growth.

Do you lend to businesses across the North East?

What types of businesses do you support?

Can I apply if I'm starting a new business?

Do you support established businesses?

How do I know which finance option is right for me?