We are seeking passionate, driven entrepreneurs and early-stage startups 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.
Max of 2 Years in Operation: Businesses must have been in operation for no more than two years at date of application.
Pre-revenue, Bootstrapped, or Seed Funding: Businesses should be at the pre-revenue stage or have received bootstrapped or seed funding.
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 six-month programme, requiring an average of 2–3 days per week, and actively engage with all programme activities and material.
In addition to the core criteria, the following attributes are desirable:
Innovators with ideas or products that address a market need.
Committed to transforming their ideas into viable businesses.
Showing potential for growth and scalability.
Open to mentorship, feedback, and collaborative opportunities.
Participants of The Stable programme will benefit from:
As part of this programme, successful applicants will be able to apply for a grant funding pot of £2,200 per month over the course of the programme, with the opportunity to apply for a further £4,800 in additional grant funding. Funding is available to one founder or representative per company.
Guidance on business fundamentals, product development, financial management, legal support, and strategic planning.
Regular sessions with seasoned experts to refine your business model and strategies.
Opportunities to connect with mentors, industry experts, potential partners and clients, and fellow entrepreneurs.
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.
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.
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.