Get ready for an exhilarating experience presented by the dynamic team at FIRST! The Startup Awards North East is an extraordinary, one-of-a-kind event that showcases the outstanding talent and entrepreneurial spirit of our incredible region.

This action-packed day will feature live pitches and a unique blend of creativity and business, as we come together to celebrate all stages of startup success. Join us in recognising the achievements of three distinct categories of startups, while networking with a vibrant community of partners, friends, and new contacts.

Don’t miss this exciting opportunity to be part of the thriving startup ecosystem in the North East!

You can come for one category or come to it all. Here’s the breakdown of the live finals:

09:00 – 11:00 SkillUP

Pre startup founders sharing their ideas and ambitions to progress onto self-employment

11:00 – 13:00 StartUP

Sole traders or registered business founders who are looking for resources to give their new business a boost.

14:00 – 16:30 ScaleUP

Ambitious sole traders or registered business founders who want to turn their growth plans into action.

TICKETS:

To ensure the events are accessible to everyone (and thanks to our incredible partners) we are asking for a ‘pay what you can’ for each final. If you want an exclusive networking lunch, we do have to charge. All funds raised go into ensuring we can continue running the event and reach more early stage founders for 2024 and beyond!

What to expect:

Live pitching, interactive Q&As, hilarious hosts and a unique experience, challenging the stereotype of what business awards ‘should’ be like. Leave feeling inspired, motivated and a phone full of meaningful new contacts.