The Tees Valley Export Support Programme will give grants to help companies start selling abroad
A new £300,000 programme has been launched to help more of our talented firms break into overseas markets and increase their exports.
The new Tees Valley Export Support Programme will give grants of between £3,000 and £10,000 to help local companies start selling abroad or expand their current international trade.
Businesses will need to contribute 25% of costs themselves, with funding expected to support a wide range of projects including attending trade fairs, adapting marketing for overseas customers, or commissioning specialist advice and research.
The initiative is part of a wider package of support available aiming to strengthen business growth and resilience across the region.
Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen said: “We’ve got world-class businesses right here in Teesside, Darlington and Hartlepool producing brilliant products which deserve to be seen on the global stage.
“This scheme is about backing our firms to go out there, win new contracts and bring more money and good jobs back into our region. Exports are a huge driver of growth, and, with our backing, I’m determined to make sure local companies have every chance to succeed internationally.”
By focusing specifically on exports, the scheme aims to build on the Tees Valley’s strong industrial heritage – but also open up new opportunities for firms in growing sectors like advanced manufacturing and digital industries, as well as our food and drink and professional services sectors.
Applications will be assessed to ensure projects deliver real impact, represent good value for money and help businesses boost their presence in international markets.
Middlesbrough Mayor Chris Cooke, Combined Authority Cabinet Member for Inward Investment, said: “Our businesses are ambitious and have what it takes to compete with the best, but they often need that extra push to get into new markets.
“This funding will give them the tools, knowledge and confidence to take that leap – and perhaps consider something they didn’t think possible.
“More exporting means more growth and more opportunities across our region, so I’d urge business owners to take a look.”
The programme is funded by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.
It is supported by the Department of Business and Trade to help firms access international opportunities and push them to discover to explore how overseas trade might benefit their business.
The programme is open to businesses across the region that have been trading for at least a year and can demonstrate an interest in exporting.
Submissions for Round One are open until 13 October.
Full details, including eligibility and how to apply, can be found at: Tees Valley Export Fund - Business