The Forge Programme is a 12-week accelerator designed to take businesses from market traction and revenue through to significant investment funding.
As part of this programme, businesses will have the opportunity to apply for up to £25,000 in grant funding.
Who We're Looking For
We are seeking ambitious, growth-oriented businesses in the Tees Valley region that meet the following criteria:
Based in the Tees Valley Region: Businesses must be trading in the Tees Valley region to be eligible.
Minimum Trading History: Businesses must have been actively trading for at least two years (evidence may be required).
Generating Revenue: Businesses must not be insolvent or in financial distress (proof of accounts may be required).
Key Areas of Interest: We are particularly interested in businesses operating in AI, Blockchain, Web3, Robotics, Space, Mobility, Sustainability, and Gaming, but businesses outside of these key areas are encouraged to sign up.
Sectors: We’re extremely interested in businesses solving problems in the following areas: Advanced Manufacturing, Chemical and Process, Health and Life Sciences, Net Zero, Transport and Logistics, and Smart Cities, but businesses outside of these sectors are encouraged to sign up.
Time Commitment: Candidates must commit to participating in a 12-week programme, requiring one day per week, and actively engage with all programme activities and material.
In addition to the core criteria, the following attributes are desirable:
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.
Opportunities
Participants of The Forge Programme will benefit from:
1/5
Grant Funding
As part of this programme, businesses will have the opportunity to apply for up to £25,000 in grant funding.
2/5
Comprehensive Support
Guidance on strategic planning, preparing for commercial and market growth, team expansion, capital management, tech and data readiness, pitching, and investor engagement.
3/5
Mentorship
Regular sessions with seasoned experts to refine your business model and strategies.
4/5
Networking
Opportunities to connect with mentors, industry experts, potential partners and clients, and fellow entrepreneurs.
5/5
Co-working Space
Exclusive access to Flok Co-Working Space for the 6-month duration of the programme, within a vibrant entrepreneurial community that fosters collaboration and innovation.
Join Us in Creating The Future
With more than 70 years of successful commercial experience, our team partners with seasoned experts to guide ambitious entrepreneurs towards success.
The Tees Valley Labs programme is tailored for Tees Valley entrepreneurs, start-ups, and scale-ups to give expert guidance and mentorship every step of the way. From refining your business model to scaling operations, our team and partners empower you with the tools and insights needed to succeed.
Registration Form
Pre-Flight (pre-incubator support for entrepreneurs) is due to start on 15th September and will be repeated over 2-weeks.
The Stable (incubator support for start-ups) is due to start on 20th October and will run for 6 calendar months, to complete March 2026.
The Forge (accelerator support for scale-ups) is due to start on 10th November and will run for 12-weeks, to complete February 2026.