The Norfolk Way was founded in 2007 by George Freeman. He saw the need for an independent organisation to act as a catalyst for positive, sustainable and entrepreneurial change in rural Norfolk.

Set up as an unincorporated community organisation, managed by a Board of members, the running costs were covered by ticket sales for the events, and sponsorship. The Bursary Programme was funded with donations and other voluntary funding.  In the summer of 2014, the funds were transferred from the Norfolk Community Foundation to the Bridge Trust, managed by NWES and a new Exemplar Scheme was set up to provide opportunities and work placements for 16-18 year olds across Mid-Norfolk.