Eligible businesses can access specialist Growth & Resilience Support, Food & Drink Support and the North East Farm Business Support Service, depending on their individual needs and business goals.
The Rural Growth Programme is designed to help businesses across rural County Durham become more resilient, improve productivity and unlock opportunities for sustainable growth. Whether you're looking to strengthen your business, develop new products, diversify your income or explore new markets, we'll work with you to identify the support that's right for you.
During an initial conversation with a Business Engagement Officer, we'll get to know your business and your ambitions. We can then tailor the support we offer to match the current stage of growth and the business's needs, building to your ambitions.
Support available
Growth & Resilience Support
Growth & Resilience Support is available to eligible businesses across rural County Durham looking to strengthen their business, improve performance and take advantage of new opportunities.
Working with a dedicated Business Engagement Officer, you'll receive tailored one-to-one support based on your business goals. Through an initial business diagnostic, we'll help you identify priorities, overcome challenges and develop a practical plan for sustainable growth.
Alongside one-to-one support, you'll also have access to practical workshops and events, delivered both online and in person, covering topics including digital marketing, AI, business planning, social media and workplace organisation.
Businesses with ambitions to grow and create new employment opportunities may also be able to access support from Technical Specialists, providing expert advice in areas such as:
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Financial planning and forecasting
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Marketing and digital strategy
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Sales and accessing new markets
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Innovation and new product development
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Funding and investment
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Legal, tax and procurement guidance
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Productivity and business resilience
Food & Drink Support
Delivered in partnership with Food and Drink North East, this specialist support is designed for eligible food and drink businesses across rural County Durham.
Whether you're a primary producer, manufacturer, hospitality business or food and drink entrepreneur, you'll receive tailored advice from sector specialists who understand the unique opportunities and challenges facing the industry.
Support is designed to help businesses grow, reach new markets and build long-term resilience, and includes:
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Business growth and development planning
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Routes to market and retail opportunities
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Branding, marketing and product positioning
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Supply chain and collaboration opportunities
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Scaling production and improving efficiency
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Advice and signposting on finance, investment and funding opportunities where appropriate
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North East Farm Business Support Service
The North East Farm Business Support Service provides dedicated support for eligible farm businesses across rural County Durham.
Delivered by experienced advisers with specialist knowledge of the agricultural sector, the service helps farm businesses improve resilience, increase productivity and explore opportunities for diversification.
Support is tailored to the individual needs of each business and may include:
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Business planning and growth strategies
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Financial management and funding opportunities
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Farm diversification and new enterprise development
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Productivity improvements
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Business resilience planning
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One-to-one specialist advice to support long-term success
Getting started
If you're an eligible business based in rural County Durham, getting started is simple. Complete the Durham Business Growth enquiry form and a Business Engagement Officer will contact you to discuss your business, understand your ambitions and match you with the most appropriate support available through the Rural Growth Programme.
