Website & App funding in the North East of England
New in April 2026.
Many businesses across the North East receive support towards the cost of website design and redevelopment.
Funding programmes change regularly and each area operates slightly differently. Some provide match funding. Others provide advisory support before funding routes open.
We help businesses prepare website projects so they align with what these programmes look for and stand the best chance of approval.
We are not a funding body. We work with businesses planning website improvements and help shape projects so they fit funding expectations.
If you are considering a new website or redevelopment, there is a strong chance support exists in your area.
How Website Funding Usually Works.
Most regional programmes support projects that help your business:
- grow
- win more enquiries
- enter new markets
- improve productivity
- support recruitment
Funding normally supports specialist external expertise such as website strategy, design, development, or digital platforms.
Many schemes contribute around 50 percent of project costs.
Most require approval before work begins.
Most require businesses to pay project costs first before grant payment arrives.
We help businesses prepare suitable project outlines before they apply.
Website funding in the North of Tyne Area.
Businesses based in Newcastle, North Tyneside, or Northumberland may be eligible for support through the North of Tyne Business Support Fund.
This programme supports investment in specialist external support including website development where the project supports business growth.
Typical funded projects sit between £3,000 and £8,000.
Support often covers around 50 percent of project costs.
Funding is paid after project completion, so businesses need to cashflow the work first.
Projects usually need to show impact such as:
- improving enquiry generation
- supporting recruitment
- launching new services
- strengthening credibility in technical sectors
Applications must be approved before work begins.
Many businesses speak with us before applying so the project scope aligns with expectations from the start.
If your business is based in the North of Tyne area and planning a website improvement project, speak with us first.
Website funding in County Durham.
Businesses based in County Durham receive support through the Durham Business Growth Programme.
This programme provides funded specialist advice and support which helps businesses prepare improvement projects including website redevelopment.
Instead of applying directly for a fixed grant at the start, businesses usually work with programme advisers who help identify suitable support routes.
Website projects often form part of wider activity such as:
- improving digital visibility
- supporting business growth plans
- modernising customer engagement
- strengthening recruitment presence
Support runs through to December 2026.
Many businesses begin by discussing their website plans with us so the project direction matches what the programme expects.
If your business operates in County Durham and your website no longer reflects where the business is heading, this is a strong time to explore options.
Website Funding in Sunderland.
June 2026, new funding available
Phase 3 of the Sunderland Business Support Fund is now open for eligible growing businesses in Sunderland.
The programme is delivered by NBSL and funded through Sunderland City Council and the North East Mayoral Strategic Authority. It helps Sunderland SMEs access external expertise for business improvement projects.
Eligible projects receive up to 40% funding towards project costs between £3,000 and £6,000, excluding VAT.
Website design and development is one of the supported project types. This makes the fund relevant for Sunderland businesses looking to improve their website, strengthen their digital presence, generate better enquiries or support growth into new markets.
The fund may suit engineering, manufacturing, industrial and technical businesses that need a website to communicate specialist capabilities more clearly. This might include:
- presenting technical products or services more professionally
- improving enquiry generation from higher value customers
- supporting export or supply chain opportunities
- showing accreditations, processes, facilities and project experience
- improving credibility with procurement teams, buyers and partners
- supporting recruitment or business growth plans
To be eligible, businesses usually need to be trading, based in the Sunderland City Council area, classed as an SME and planning to grow by creating or safeguarding jobs.
Projects must be approved before work starts. The grant is paid retrospectively, so businesses need to pay project costs first and claim the grant once the work has been completed.
Projects must be completed and claimed by November 2026 at the latest.
Demand is expected to be high, so Sunderland businesses considering a website redevelopment should act early.
If you are based in Sunderland, Washington or surrounding areas and want to understand whether a website project is likely to fit the fund, we are happy to review your plans before you apply. Please get in touch with us now.
Website Funding in the Tees Valley Area.
Businesses in Darlington, Hartlepool, Middlesbrough, Redcar and Cleveland, and Stockton-on-Tees may be eligible for support through the Tees Valley Business Support.
Support across the Tees Valley often includes match-funded consultancy projects where website redevelopment forms part of wider business growth activity.
Typical supported projects include:
- modernising outdated websites
- improving technical credibility
- supporting recruitment growth
- strengthening sector positioning
Funding availability changes in phases across the Tees Valley area.
Early preparation improves the chances of approval.
We regularly help businesses prepare website project outlines before they apply. Why not get in touch to start the conversation?
When to Start the Conversation.
Funding programmes normally require approval before work begins.
That means the best time to speak with us is while you are still planning the project.
We help businesses:
- define the right scope
- prepare outline costs
- check whether funding looks suitable
- avoid delays later in the process
Many businesses contact us before applying so they move forward with confidence.
If you are considering a website project anywhere in the North East, get in touch and we will let you know whether funding support is likely to fit your situation.
