Enterprise Festival inspires start-up success

A business festival has been hailed as a great success after helping inspire start-ups to take their first steps.

The Northumberland Enterprise Festival 2025, delivered by the Northumberland Small Business Service (NSBS), brought together aspiring and early-stage business owners across the county. 

Three one-day events were held at the Market Pavilion in Blyth, Brocksbushes in Hexham and The Alnwick Garden during October, attracting more than 100 participants.

Attendees benefited from workshops, practical advice and talks from local entrepreneurs sharing real-life business experiences. 

Sessions focused on common first-year challenges, including pricing, cashflow, business planning and customer growth strategies. 

The festival also highlighted a £2000 grant available to pre-start and new businesses, which has already generated significant interest.

Attendees described the events as “inspirational” and “insightful,” praising the inclusive environment and practical takeaways. 

The programme not only celebrated local entrepreneurial spirit but also connected delegates with funding and wider business support available across Northumberland.

Lucy Evermore, programme manager for NSBS, said: “The Enterprise Festival is about inspiring people to see business as an achievable and exciting opportunity.

“It’s been fantastic to see the enthusiasm, connections made, and the confidence people have taken away. 

“We’re excited to continue building a culture of enterprise across Northumberland.”

Delivered by Northumberland County Council, the NSBS project is part-funded by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund and the Rural England Prosperity Fund, with the North East Combined Authority as lead authority. 

The initiative provides ongoing support to micro and small businesses through mentoring, networking, workshops and 1-to-1 guidance, helping them start, grow, diversify and sustain their ventures.

For more information about the programme and the support available, see here.

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