BUSINESSES are being encouraged to access grants and funding to help them to grow and develop.

Going for Business Growth – Grants and Finance takes place on Thursday from 3.30pm to 6pm at Blackwell Grange Hotel, Darlington.

Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen will welcome guests to the event and present the range of different initiatives in the Tees Valley designed to support business growth, especially those linked to job creation and expansion into new markets.

He said: “I’m looking forward to meeting a host of companies during the week. Creating jobs in Tees Valley, real jobs that can support families, means supporting small businesses as they grow. Our Business Compass Service is working flat out to reach out to small, growing firms and giving them the resources and confidence to scale up.”

Mark Carrigan, Darlington Council’s business investment manager, said: “We’re pleased to offer this session focussing on grants and finance during Darlington Business Week because there’s so much support out there for businesses of all sizes.”

More details are available from www.investindarlington.co.uk/events

Tickets are free for every event but should be booked in advance to confirm numbers. The Business Support team are on 01325-406305.