Tees Valley Export Grant for Business Expansion (UK)

The focus areas include market research, international compliance and certifications, translation services, export-focused promotional materials, and attendance at international trade shows. The programme also aims to assist revenue projects designed to help businesses start exporting or diversify and increase their current export activity.

Funded by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund and delivered in partnership with the Department for Business and Trade (DBT), this initiative offers financial support to businesses that are either starting out on their export journey or looking to grow and diversify their export operations. The total fund allocation for Tees Valley is £500,000, providing business grants between £3,000 and £10,000, with a 25% match funding requirement.

To be eligible, businesses must be located and trading in Tees Valley—covering Darlington, Hartlepool, Middlesbrough, Redcar & Cleveland, and Stockton-on-Tees—and must have been trading for a minimum of 12 months. Applicants are required to demonstrate an existing interest in exporting, which can be evidenced through participation in the DBT Export Academy Course, sector-specific export research, or other relevant engagement with DBT representatives.

Eligible projects must be completed and claimed by the end of March 2026. Activities that can be funded include attending trade events, purchasing trade stand equipment, adapting websites or marketing materials for overseas audiences, obtaining export-related consultancy or legal advice, and conducting market research.

Applications are particularly encouraged from businesses operating in the sectors of Advanced Manufacturing, Business & Professional Services, Construction, Culture & Leisure, Digital & Creative, Education, Health & Biologics, Health Care, and Process Chemicals and Energy.

For more information, visit Business Tees Valley.