Innovation Supper – Apply to pitch

As part of this year’s York Business Festival, York Business School and the York & North Yorkshire Growth Hub are delighted to bring you the third Innovation Supper.

Perfect for projects of all shapes and sizes; from nothing more than a good idea right up to a fully formed Community Business. We are looking for people to pitch their idea, and benefit from valuable business advice.

What to Expect:

  • Enjoy networking and a light supper.
  • Six local entrepreneurs pitch for a chance to win £400–£600
  • Each pitch gets 10 minutes, followed by 10 minutes of audience Q&A
  • All pitchers receive expert pitch training from York St John University
  • Pitchers benefit from audience feedback to help refine their idea
  • The audience will then vote for the idea that they think is best – it’s really that simple!

If you are interested in your chance to get some great business advice and take away some funding to grow, then please fill in the application and return to us by 5pm Tuesday 18 November 2025.

Read how Innovation Supper supports Local Start-ups and discover how a Local start-up planner business benefited from £500 seed funding thanks to Innovation Supper and how Innovation Supper provides funding boost for First Leaf Farm.

Selection Criteria

  • Business less than 3 years old
  • Located within the York and North Yorkshire region
  • Less than 5 employees.

Applications are now closed. Thank you.

York Business Festival

York St John University is proud to announce a packed programme for York Business Festival this October. Taking place across two days, attendees gain direct access to the expertise of academics and researchers from York Business School and the wider University as well as a host of invited speakers and facilitators.

Brew York invests in a more sustainable future

When rising CO2 prices began putting pressure on Brew York, the team started looking for a more sustainable way to operate and reduce their reliance on external CO2 supplies. With support from City of York Council and the Growth Hub, Brew York secured grant funding towards new nitrogen generation technology, through the Business Sustainability Programme.

Innovation Supper: Meet the Dragons

Emerging entrepreneurs from across York and North Yorkshire will be pitching their business ideas to an engaged audience of like-minded business professionals at next month’s Innovation Supper. A panel of experienced business professionals are set to provide a wealth of business knowledge and insight, asking questions and offering invaluable feedback to those taking the stage.

Fully funded workplace training and development for North Yorkshire employers

Employers across North Yorkshire can now access free learning and development opportunities designed to help create more inclusive, supportive and productive workplaces. Available through the Get Britain Working Economic Inactivity Trailblazer, the programme from North Yorkshire Council gives employers practical support to develop workplace cultures where employees feel valued, supported and able to thrive in work.

North Yorkshire brewery taps into technology to fuel growth

Founded in 2013 as a small-batch microbrewery, Harrogate Brewing Company was acquired by Joe and Julie Joyce in 2020 with ambitions to build a larger, more resilient business that could create a long-term future for their family. Just weeks later, the Covid-19 pandemic brought the hospitality industry to a standstill. With its pub customers disappearing almost overnight, the family adapted by launching online sales, home deliveries and a taproom.

Innovation Supper October 2026: Apply to pitch

Join us for a relaxed evening with a light supper and plenty of inspiration, where you’ll have the chance to step into the spotlight and pitch your business idea to win seed funding. Prior to the pitching, you’ll be provided expert pitch training delivered by York St John, so you’re fully prepared to deliver your pitch with confidence. Whether you’re just starting out or already up and running, you’re invited to get involved.