Edge is committed to fostering innovation and entrepreneurship across the Tees Valley. Recognising the challenges faced by early-stage businesses and individuals with big ideas, Edge created the Tees Valley Start-up Challenge to provide critical financial support and a platform to support new innovative businesses to get started.

With a focus on inclusivity, the programme welcomes aspiring entrepreneurs, spinouts from universities and organisations, and those balancing full-time work with a side hustle they hope to grow.

By supporting these innovators, Edge seeks to drive economic growth, encourage creativity, and build a resilient start-up community in the region.

The Start-up Challenge is a dynamic programme designed to empower local entrepreneurs, spinouts, aspiring business owners and side hustlers to take their innovative ideas to the next level. Offering £1,000 grants, this initiative aims to spark growth, encourage creativity, and strengthen the start-up ecosystem in the Tees Valley region.

We are specifically looking to support start-ups businesses within the Innovation Challenge’s priority themes of:

• Creative Industries
• Digital Transformation
• Energy and Net Zero
• Healthcare
• Professional services
• Social
• Transport and Logistics

Whether you’re looking to scale a side hustle or develop a new spinout, this challenge is your opportunity to bring your vision to life.