We are seeking passionate, driven entrepreneurs and growth-oriented businesses in the Tees Valley region that meet the following criteria:
For The Stable Programme: Businesses must have operated for no more than two years from the application date.
For The Forge Programme: Businesses must have been in active trade for at least two years (proof of active trade may be required).
For The Stable Programme: Businesses should be at the pre-revenue stage or have received bootstrapped or seed funding.
For The Forge Programme: Businesses must not be in a state of insolvency or financial distress (proof of accounts may be required).
We are particularly interested in businesses operating in AI, Blockchain, Web3, Robotics, Space, Mobility, Sustainability, and Gaming.
Our focus sectors include Advanced Manufacturing, Chemical and Process, Health and Life Sciences, Net Zero, Transport and Logistics, and Smart Cities.
Represents a registered business entity with a trading address in the Tees Valley.
Resides in the Tees Valley area (if business has not yet been registered).
Developing ideas or products that address a market need.
Committed to transforming their ideas into viable businesses.
Showing potential for growth and scalability.
Ready to scale and attract significant investment funding.
Committed to leveraging expert guidance and mentorship.
Open to networking and collaborative opportunities to enhance their growth.
Innovators with ideas or products that address a market need.
Tees Valley Labs is delivered on behalf of Tees Valley Mayor and Combined Authority and is funded by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.
Your business is currently based or looking to be based within the Tees Valley (Darlington, Hartlepool, Middlesbrough, Redcar & Cleveland, or Stockton-On-Tees), support is conditional based on eligibility and suitability checks.
Comprehensive and Strategic Support
Guidance on business fundamentals, product development, financial management, legal support, scaling operations, growth planning, market techniques, and strategic planning.
Mentorship
Regular sessions with seasoned experts to refine business models and strategies, and prepare for investor engagement.
Networking
Opportunities to connect with mentors, industry experts, potential partners, potential investors, and a community of like-minded entrepreneurs.
Co-working Space
Exclusive access to Flok Co-working space, fostering collaboration and innovation within a vibrant entrepreneurial community.
With more than 70 years of successful commercial experience, our team partners with seasoned experts to guide ambitious entrepreneurs towards success.
A 6-month incubator focused on taking businesses from early ideation and discovery through to market traction and funding.
A 12-week accelerator designed to take businesses from market traction and revenue generation to significant investment funding exposure.