Gateshead BIG is a brand new programme, delivered exclusively by Smarta, for established companies based in Gateshead that have ambitions to scale-up their operations.

The programme is an innovation and growth programme to help Gateshead SMEs adopt innovation strategies (not just technological innovation) to improve resilience, productivity, innovation and digitalisation. It focuses on high value-added industries and growth sectors in digital & tech, creative & visitor economy, advanced manufacturing and energy but companies in other sectors are welcome to apply too.

Gateshead BIG is delivered on behalf of Gateshead Council. It is funded by the UK government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.

Gateshead BIG will help with your scaleup strategy, encourage innovation, investor readiness, workforce development and growth.

We deliver it via one-to-one coaching and strategy consulting and your company will probably have already been through organic growth, but now want to accelerate the process.

You will work with a growth specialist on a one-to-one basis and they will take you through our SMARTA Growth System, starting with an indepth diagnostic to determine company alignment.

The system will identify strengths and weaknesses in both your team and business model before working through specific challenges you have, helping you with growth strategy or embedding a culture of constant innovation.

Places are very limited so a selection process will be involved.