New Series of Fully Funded Workshops Set to Help Tees Valley Businesses Start, Grow and Thrive

A new series of fully funded workshops is set to support businesses from starting out to scaling up and exploring new markets as part of a new offer to firms.

The events will take place across the region and offer practical, hands-on support to help businesses build confidence, develop skills and unlock new opportunities.

The support comes with the launch of a new Business Support and Funding Directory, bringing together a wide range of local, regional and national support in one easy-to-use place.

Tees Valley Combined Authority is currently working to reshape its business support, with the interim offer ensuring businesses can access help now while a more comprehensive, joined-up system is developed.

The new directory is designed to simplify the process of accessing support – allowing businesses to quickly identify the most relevant help based on their needs, stage of growth and sector in one place.

Whether you’re starting a business, looking to grow, recruit, innovate, access funding or develop new skills, the directory makes it easier to find the support that’s right for you.

Meanwhile, the series of upcoming support sessions cover a wide range of key business challenges and growth areas, including starting a firm, accessing finance, digital marketing, innovation, and making the most of emerging sectors such as retrofit and the green economy.

The free workshops will be delivered in partnership with Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council and funded through the UK Government’s UK Shared Prosperity Fund.

Workshops include:

• Start Up in Tees Valley – supporting aspiring entrepreneurs to turn ideas into viable businesses
• Build the Business that you set out to run – helping established businesses sharpen strategy and plan for growth
• Get Funding Ready and Access the Finance Your Business Needs – guidance on securing investment and navigating funding options
• Breathe New Life into Your Business – exploring innovation, new products and market opportunities
• Retrofit: A Growing Market – connecting businesses to opportunities in the net zero transition

The interim programme is designed to provide straightforward, practical advice with no jargon to ensure participants are armed with clear next steps, useful tools and valuable connections.

From practical advice and business insight to networking and growth opportunities, these events are designed to help businesses tackle challenges, spot opportunities and take the next step.

Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen said: “We’ve got the ambition, the talent and the ideas here in our region – and these sessions are about giving people the support to turn those ideas into successful businesses.

“Our new business support offer is going to make it easier for our firms to access the backing they need.

“Whether you’re just starting out or looking to take the next step, we’re making sure help is there to build confidence, create jobs and grow our local economy. Backing businesses like this is how we keep driving the region forward.”

Businesses can register their interest in the workshops here and visit the new directory here.