North Yorkshire Stars Programme Announces New Cohort to Propel Businesses Towards Investment Success

Posted on August 7, 2024 | Mark Rolland

The York & North Yorkshire Growth Hub, in collaboration with Lifted Ventures, is thrilled to announce the launch of the new cohort for the highly successful ‘North Yorkshire Stars’ Investment Readiness Programme. Following the significant achievements of the previous cohort, this initiative aims to support and prepare a fresh group of regional start-ups and early-stage businesses for investment opportunities.

The North Yorkshire Stars Programme is a fully-funded 12-hour support initiative that offers a blend of in-person and virtual workshops. It is open to businesses across all sectors. The course is designed to be inclusive and supportive of diverse founders, helping them refine their business models, access funding, and pitch effectively to investors.

‘A vital resource for entrepreneurs’

David Skaith, Mayor of York and North Yorkshire, expressed his enthusiasm for the new cohort. He said, “The North Yorkshire Stars Programme has proven to be a vital resource for our entrepreneurs. It not only equips them with the necessary skills and knowledge to attract investment but also fosters a spirit of innovation and inclusivity. I am confident that this new cohort will continue to build on the success of the previous one and further strengthen our local economy.”

Lifted Ventures, co-founded by Helen Oldham and Jordan Dargue, continues to play a pivotal role in the programme. Their mission to increase early-stage capital for diverse founders outside London aligns perfectly with the goals of the Growth Hub. “After the fundamental success of the first North Yorkshire Stars Access to Finance programme, we are delighted to be supporting the York and North Yorkshire Growth Hub for a second time. The programme aims to support all businesses across the region, guiding participants through the process of making their businesses investment ready,” said Jordan Dargue.

All bases covered

The comprehensive support provided by the programme has been lauded by past participants. One testimonial stated, “The Lifted Ventures North Yorkshire Stars programme has been instrumental in our journey, providing unwavering support, valuable introductions, and the opportunity to meet so many other great founders and advisors. Jordan and Helen’s dedication has been pivotal to our progress and success.”

The programme schedule includes a series of workshops and events starting from 23rd September 2024. It will focus on developing business plans, exploring funding options, financial forecasting, legal requirements, and crafting effective pitch decks. The course will culminate in a pitch event on 3rd December 2024, where participants will present their investment opportunities to a panel of seasoned investors from the North Yorkshire Angel Network.

This project is funded by the UK government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund. The funding was allocated by North Yorkshire Council and is available exclusively to businesses registered in the North Yorkshire Council area.

Interested in North Yorkshire Stars?

You can watch the recording of the launch event webinar here

Further dates are as follows:

Business Model Canvas – Business Plan Evolution – in person. Monday 7th October 2024 from 10am until 1pm.
Accessing Funding – What options are available – Grant, Equity & Debt – remotely. Monday 14th October 2024 – 10am until 11.30am.
The Athena Festival. Tuesday 15th October 2024 – Full day.
Financial Forecasting, Legal Requirements and IP – remotely. Monday 28th October 2024 – 10am until 11.30am.
Investor Readiness, Developing the Pitch Deck and Investor Elevator – in person. Monday 4th November 2024 – 10am until 12pm.
Preparing for Investor Due Diligence, and refining the business opportunity – One to One coaching – remotely. From Monday 4th November 2024 until Monday 2nd December 2024.
Pitch to investors at the North Yorkshire Angel Network – in person. Tuesday 3rd December 2024 10am until 1pm.
Deal progression and support – ongoing

Apply for North Yorkshire Stars

About North Yorkshire Stars

This project is funded by the UK government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund. Please note this is only available to businesses in the North Yorkshire Council Area, not available to businesses in City of York.