Check with funder

The Mayor's Small Venues Fund

The Mayor's Small Venues Fund is a grant (revenue and capital) from North East Mayoral Strategic Authority. Amount: Grants from £3,000 to £100,000 (£2.2m fund over three years).

Amount
Grants from £3,000 to £100,000 (£2.2m fund over three years)
Who it's for
Permanent North East venues whose main business is live creative events and performances, such as independent theatres, concert halls, specialist stages and multi-use creative venues. As a guide, about 50 to 300 seated or 50 to 500 standing. Open to privately owned venues, not-for-profits (including CICs and charitable trusts) and public-sector venues run by an independent operator. You must show how the funding leads to more sustainability or growth.
Deadline / status
Check with funder: Phase 1 runs for the first 12 months, then a second phase for two years. Application dates: check with funder (smallvenuesfund@NorthEast-ca.gov.uk); they are happy to discuss proposals before you apply.
Areas
Newcastle, North Tyneside, Northumberland, Gateshead, South Tyneside, Sunderland, County Durham
Categories
Creative & cultural, Capital & equipment, Marketing & website
Notes
Revenue grants can cover mentoring and consultancy, business planning, website development, bid writing, feasibility studies, market research and marketing. Capital grants can cover building works, sound, lighting, backline, staging, furniture, green energy, accessibility and refurbishment.
Official source
https://www.northeast-ca.gov.uk/projects/small-venues-fund
Last checked

Go to the official page →

Sourced North East is not the funder. Details can change, so confirm eligibility and deadlines on the official page before applying or spending money.

Get new North East grants every Monday

One short, free email each Monday: new schemes, changed amounts and deadlines closing that week. Every item links to its official source.

FAQ

How much can I get from The Mayor's Small Venues Fund?

Grants from £3,000 to £100,000 (£2.2m fund over three years)

Who is eligible for The Mayor's Small Venues Fund?

Permanent North East venues whose main business is live creative events and performances, such as independent theatres, concert halls, specialist stages and multi-use creative venues. As a guide, about 50 to 300 seated or 50 to 500 standing. Open to privately owned venues, not-for-profits (including CICs and charitable trusts) and public-sector venues run by an independent operator. You must show how the funding leads to more sustainability or growth.

What is the deadline for The Mayor's Small Venues Fund?

Check with funder. Phase 1 runs for the first 12 months, then a second phase for two years. Application dates: check with funder (smallvenuesfund@NorthEast-ca.gov.uk); they are happy to discuss proposals before you apply. Last checked 19 Oct 2026; always confirm on the official page: https://www.northeast-ca.gov.uk/projects/small-venues-fund

Similar schemes

Open

North East Elevate Fund

North East Fund, managed by FW Capital · Loan / mixed loan-equity

Loans from £50,000, up to £1m for established businesses

Newcastle, North Tyneside, Northumberland, Gateshead, South Tyneside, Sunderland, County Durham · Checked

Check with funder

Made Smarter Adoption North East

Made Smarter with North East Growth Hub and Tees Valley CA · Grant plus support

Up to £3,500 for technical advice. Up to £20,000 (max 50% of cost) for software or equipment

Newcastle, North Tyneside, Northumberland, Gateshead, South Tyneside, Sunderland, County Durham, Tees Valley · Checked

Check with funder

Business Growth Fund

North East CA, delivered by UMi (UKSPF) · Grant

£20,000–£300,000 discretionary grants (per Invest North East England)

Gateshead, Newcastle, North Tyneside, Northumberland, Sunderland · Checked