SOMETIMES, knowing where and how to access finance can be a real stumbling block for businesses, no matter what their size, writes James Ramsbotham, Chief Executive, North East Chamber of Commerce.

Our report last year ‘Connecting for innovation: A view from North East business’ highlighted the help companies need with this type of problem.

We want to make sure that organisations have the support they need to reach the next stage of growth, whether they’re a relatively new start-up or an established company with years of experience behind them.

That’s why we have been working with the team at Venturefest North East, the North East LEP, North East BIC, Innovate UK and North East Finance to help shape a new programme of support for businesses called FinanceCamp North East.

FinanceCamp is for companies of all sizes, structures and sectors, helping people to secure the right kind of investment to take their enterprise’s growth to the next level.

We’ve been involved from the start of the project, working with Venturefest to make sure that the programme suits the needs of the region’s business community and their funding requirements, regardless of which sector they’re operating in or the type of organisation they are.

We used feedback from our members to inform the programme and as a result, the scheme offers tailored support to meet the needs of different types of businesses. So if a small organisation is looking for a start-up loan or an established name needs to secure a multi-million pound equity deal, they can both find effective guidance and contacts through FinanceCamp and its expert advisers.

By becoming involved with FinanceCamp, organisations will be able to access support through the whole of their funding journey, from identifying funding sources to presenting to potential investors.

The programme culminates with an annual event – the first of these will take place on 21 June at Ramside Hall in Durham, where businesses can meet with potential investors face to face.

I believe this programme will prove to be invaluable for North East businesses. It will really simplify the investment process and help people to easily navigate their way to receiving the funding they need for their businesses to grow.

It’s been a collaborative effort, led by Venturefest and with input from a wide range of business support organisations and funding experts. I would urge organisations to take advantage of this opportunity to secure expert guidance – use the support available to help your organisation to take the next step.

For more information and to apply for FinanceCamp North East visit financecamp.co.uk.