NBSL have announced that they will be launching a number of grant funding schemes for businesses that want to grow throughout the North East. This includes development through franhcising. The first fund to launch is the new Sunderland Business Support Fund (SBSF) thanks to funding from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund. This Grant programme will help local growing businesses to access high quality external expertise to deliver business improvement projects. NBSL funding will provide up to 40% funding for projects that cost between £3,000 and £6,000 (VAT costs cannot be funded), initially for Sunderland businesses. This includes franchise project (subject to terms). More information is available on Sunderland NBSL.