AN open day for small enterprises looking for funding to expand their businesses is being held in County Durham later this month.

The East Durham Business Service’s (EDBS) Grants Open Day is bringing together business advisers and coaches so firms can find out whether they are eligible for money from a new round of grants.

Experts will be on hand to discuss retail, marketing, commercial premises, apprenticeships, business start-up and business growth. There will also be information about a new grant fund which was established to help businesses struggling because of the recession.

The event, at the Novus Business Centre in Peterlee, will be attended by Be Enterprising business start-up coaches, who will be available to speak to would-be entrepreneurs about their business ideas.

Marketing officer Susan McGregor said: “The event will be the perfect opportunity for those currently in business or planning to start a new business to find out more about the services that EDBS can provide.

“We are here to provide business support services for the lifetime of your business and are essentially a one-stop-shop for business support. The event will also be the perfect opportunity to tour our office space for businesses considering leaving the back bedroom and taking office space for the first time.”

The free event is on June 18 at 1pm-4pm. For more information, tel EDBS on (0191) 586 3366.