Durham Ambitious Business Starts (DABS)

The Durham Ambitious Business Starts (DABS) project will provide a three-year programme to encourage high-quality start-ups in County Durham, and support them during the critical first 12 months of trading. This contract is for support in relation to the DABS project and is divided into the following four Lots: Lot 1 DABS Pre-start business support programme delivery Lot 2 DABS New-start business support programme delivery Lot 3 DABS Digital portal, content and website Lot 4 DABS Events and Marketing Tenderers may submit a Tender for one Lot, multiple Lots or all Lots.

Each Lot will be evaluated and awarded separately. The expected start date for the proposed contract is 01 February 2020.

The expected end date for the proposed contract is 31 January 2023. The proposed contract is to be let with an option to extend for a further 6 months from the actual end date subject to ERDF funding.

This procurement is issued under a Restricted Tender process in line with Public Contracts Regulation 2015. Funding The Council has submitted an ERDF (European Regional Development Fund) application for the funding to enable delivery of this Project.

The Council has submitted an application for £600,000 of funding to ensure the delivery of the scope and achievement of the strategic objectives. Should the Council be unsuccessful in obtaining ERDF funding the Project will not be commissioned. Progression of this procurement exercise and any award of this contract opportunity will be conditional on the Council confirming receipt of the funds from ERDF.