Deadline Date: January 07, 2026
Tees Valley Combined Authority (TVCA), is offering fully funded support to help micro visitor economy businesses transform the way they approach digital marketing, making it simpler, more effective, and less time-consuming.
The initiative is designed to build confidence and capability among small business owners, helping them better understand their strengths, challenges and opportunities for growth.
In the short term, participating businesses will gain practical digital marketing skills and learn how to apply new tools and time-saving techniques directly to their day-to-day operations. The programme encourages hands-on learning, ensuring that businesses can quickly put their knowledge into practice while developing a clearer and more focused marketing approach.
Over the medium term, the programme aims to help businesses transform the way they plan and deliver marketing activity. By adopting simple, sustainable practices, participants are expected to improve their online presence, increase visibility, and strengthen customer engagement in ways that continue long after the programme has ended.
Eligible businesses may also access capital grants ranging from £500 to £1,000 to support priority digital improvements. These grants can be used for areas such as software, professional photography, website enhancements or booking systems. Funding will be awarded based on need, potential impact and eligibility, and all approved improvements must have a clear plan, budget and timeline, with delivery completed by 31 March 2026.
The programme is open to micro visitor economy businesses with typically one to five employees that operate in sectors such as accommodation, food and drink, visitor attractions, cultural or event venues, and recreation or activity provision. Businesses must be based in the Tees Valley area, have at least one year of trading, and be registered as a freelancer, sole trader, partnership or limited company.
Participants will also be expected to share business performance data and engage with programme evaluation, helping to demonstrate the impact of the programme and shape future support for the visitor economy.
For more information, visit TVCA.
