Making Connections

Innovation SuperNetwork Covid-19 Update:

During these uncertain times the Innovation SuperNetwork are continuing to work on supporting North East businesses and entrepreneurs. Though the team are working remotely and not conducting face-to-face meetings, our support, insight and expertise continues to be at your disposal. See below how we can help you during this time:

Innovation SuperNetwork support

Our team are all on hand to offer business support, make connections and give advice.
We are looking at innovative ways to continue delivering our events remotely, so please keep an eye on those on our social media channels and newsletter.
You can now listen to our past webinars and view upcoming ones.

Funding

We have grant funding available for businesses that need it as well as connections to other funding pots.
There are grants of up to £3,000 available to innovative businesses through the GX Project.
British Business Bank have an Interruption Loan Scheme now available through participating lenders which can help businesses in this time.
Transmit Growth Loans are an accredited delivery partner for the above loan, which is now open for applications.
There’s up to £50k for business-led innovation in response to global disruption through Innovate UK. Deadline 17th April.
There’s £10,000 and £25,000 cash grants available for Sunderland-based businesses through the council.

SuperNetwork Partners

We have over 50 partners who we can connect you with if you need support or advice, especially during Covid-19.
The North East LEP have a helpful COVID-19 toolkit to help businesses during this time which is being updated regularly.
The North East England Chamber of Commerce are consistently updating their website with advice for business owners and employees.
The North East LEP are looking for businesses to take a survey so that they can look at how to better help them, so be sure to fill that out.
LUMO can help businesses with cash flow problems through claiming R&D Tax Credits within 7 days with minimal disruption.
Ward Hadaway now have a COVID19 FAQ hub full of practical guidance, helping you understand your #legal and #commercial position relating to the current disruption

Please also note that the Government have general advice and guidance for employers and employees that can be accessed here.

We are updating this website regularly in line with new Government advice and information we receive. Please don’t hesitate to get in touch with any questions. Our landline – +44(0)191 516 6988 is also still being monitored and we can put you in touch with the right team member.

Innovation SuperNetwork Grants

Are you a local SME with a project to develop a new product or service, and looking for funding? Our innovation grant scheme could be for you if your project is developed enough, and you are able to put some of your own funding into it too. Find out more and apply here.

The Innovation SuperNetwork is a ‘network of networks’

We bring together over 50 partners and 5000+ businesses to generate fresh ideas, new market opportunities, knowledge and money to support North East SMEs.

Together North East England is rising to the challenge.

How we can help

As the first network of its kind in the UK, we’re using our unique position and overview of the region to make exciting things happen and new collaboration possible. Our activity creates tangible opportunities for North East businesses to achieve their own growth ambitions and supports the regional economy to prosper and grow.

Explore our current projects to discover the opportunities on offer.

European Regional Development Fund (ERDF)

The Innovation SuperNetwork is the brand of a project part-funded by the European Regional Development Fund: Catalysing Innovation in North East Clusters, which is receiving up to £1.24m of ERDF as part of the European Structural and Investment Funds Growth Programme 2014-2020.

The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government is the Managing Authority for European Regional Development Fund. Established by the European Union, the European Regional Development Fund helps local areas stimulate their economic development by investing in projects which will support innovation, businesses, create jobs and local community regenerations. For more information visit https://www.gov.uk/european-growth-funding

The Innovation SuperNetwork commits to honour the Armed Forces Covenant and supporting the Armed Forces Community. We recognise the value Serving Personnel, both Regular and Reservists, Veterans and military families contribute to our business and our country.