BUSINESS Link has funding available to support businesses in the North East. But the deadline for submitting your application is fast approaching, June 17, so don’t delay.

If you have a business idea that you want help to get off the ground, or if you run an established business and want help to grow, Business Link is here for you.

Irene Earle, head of investment services, North East England Investment Centre (NEEIC), which is accessed through the Business Link service, said: “There has never been a more important time for businesses across our region to access funding.

“Right now there is a unique opportunity for businesses of all sectors to access the funding support available through the NEEIC to develop and grow their business. The nature of the funding available means that businesses need to submit their applications by June 17.”

Access to this funding couldn’t be easier – businesses just need to discuss their plans with Business Link.

Business Link’s advice and funding support can make a real difference to your business. One company that has worked with the service and recognises the impact it has had on their business is OCN North East Region.

OCN North East Region is an Ofqual-approved organisation, offering qualifications for adults and young people studying at colleges, adult education centres and schools. The company has been working with Business Link over the past three years.

Business Link worked closely with OCN North East Region helping the company to invest in skills development for staff including HR, IT, marketing, sales, stress management and coaching.

Investment in training and skills has led to OCN North East Region gaining a number of awards including Investors in People (IiP) bronze and the County Durham Better Health at Work silver award.

Linden Cook, director of quality and operations at OCN North East Region, said: “Without the support from Business Link and access to high quality training provision we would not have developed the skills and knowledge as quickly as we have. This is testament to the hard work and commitment of our staff and their willingness to participate.

“Enhancing training and skills during what has been a challenging time for businesses in the North East has also enhanced our capacity to manage change effectively and enabled us to stabilise the business, giving us the impetus to grow by accessing newly developing markets. As our skills increase our people have become more knowledgeable and it has allowed them to express their own creativity and to progress within their roles. This is also demonstrated through sustained low absence and sickness figures which add to the organisation’s productivity.”

Business Link can make a real difference to your business. The service can work with you to identify your business needs, advise you on available funding support and identify the most appropriate route to take.

The deadline for applying for funding, which is intended to supplement your own investment in your business, is June 17. The funding can be used to finance a range of services and products.

Intensive start up support funding can be used to help your business with the development of a product, branding and corporate identity, business planning, e-commerce and e-marketing, IT software, market research and product testing.

Starting a high-growth business fund can assist with many similar areas of business support, but also offers consultancy support, mentoring and marketing.

Innovation, advice and guidance funding assists with improving existing products and services, as well as introducing new technologies, e-commerce and marketing.

Flexible skills fund assists with higher levels skills training, NVQ level 4 or equivalent.

Businesses can also apply for funding for innovation vouchers, with the application deadline for this fund September 1. The scheme helps businesses buy expertise from universities, colleges and selected private providers, to help research and develop new products or services.

To learn more about available funding, and to find out if your business is eligible, call 0845 600 9006 or email enquiries@businesslinknortheast.co.uk

The Business Link service is part funded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF).