Businesses across Sunderland are being invited to discover the wide range of funding, advice and practical support available to help them start, grow and thrive.

Sunderland City Council’s Business Investment Team is hosting an Access to Business Support event at Culture House on Monday 12th October, from 1pm to 4pm, as part of this year’s Sunderland Business Week.

The free event will showcase the wide range of support currently available to businesses across the city, including advice, funding, loans, information and practical support.

Businesses of all types are invited to attend the event, from entrepreneurs looking to get started to established businesses and social enterprises looking to grow and expand.

The event will also provide an opportunity for businesses to find out more about Sunderland City Council’s Business Support Programme, which is funded by the North East Mayoral Strategic Authority through its Integrated Settlement.

Speakers will outline the wide range of support currently available to Sunderland businesses including the BIPC’s Experts in Residence programme, the Enterprising Sunderland programme delivered by the North East BIC and the Digital Pathfinders programme delivered by Sunderland Software City, alongside many others.

Cllr Chris Eynon, Leader at Sunderland City Council, said: “We know that Sunderland has a dynamic and wide-ranging business community and there is a wealth of support available to help businesses at every stage of their journey.

“From professional advice and guidance to financial support, there are many opportunities available, but we know it can sometimes be difficult for businesses to know what support is out there or where to find it.

“This event is a great opportunity for businesses from across the city to come along, speak directly to organisations providing services and find out how they can tap into support to help them innovate and grow.

“I’d encourage businesses of all types and sizes to come along, make new connections and see how the support on offer could help them achieve their goals.”

The event forms part of Sunderland Business Week 2026, a city-wide programme bringing businesses, entrepreneurs and organisations together through a range of events and activities.

Find out more about the event and Sunderland Business Week: https://sbweek.co.uk/2026-programme/

Find out more about business support available in Sunderland: https://www.mysunderland.co.uk/business-and-investment