Getting funding
Finance is often the most daunting part of starting a new business. Whether it’s your first or tenth time seeking funding, getting the right advice makes the whole process easier to navigate. We provide a range of financial support and advice to start-ups and new businesses, including the resources and guidance on this page. You can find out what sort of funding is right for you, how professional financial support can help, and what sources of funding might be available to you.
Start your funding journey
The pros and cons of business grant and loan funding
This article will cover the two main kinds of funding you can explore – business grant and loan funding – and how they might be able to work for your business.
Available funding schemes for start-ups and small businesses
There are a range of national and regional business funding schemes currently available, which we have summarised here.
Do I need to hire an accountant or a book-keeper?
You might feel that your start up or small business is not big enough yet to hire an accountant or bookkeeper – but there can be compelling reasons to do so.
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.
🚗 The Growth Hub is hitting the road!
After the success of last year's roadshows, the Growth Hub is hitting the road again, traveling the region to bring the best of local business support to a town near you. Partnering with NatWest Accelerator, and joined by Business Support Advisors from North Yorkshire Council and City of York Council, the Growth Hub Roadshow is set to showcase what business support really looks like.
How to write a good business plan
Organisations such as the Start-Up Loan Company...
Peer to peer lending Q&A
Looking for an alternative route to financing your business? Peer to peer (P2P) lending is one of the options.
Claiming expenses when running a small business from home
Claiming expenses when running a small business from home can be complex. As such, we are going to help you get to grips with what you can claim for...
How can I predict the revenue forecast for my business?
Predicting your revenue forecast and expenses when starting a business is one of the most important, yet neglected, areas of business planning.
Types of crowdfunding
Crowdfunding had enjoyed a meteoric rise in growth and popularity. But what is it?
What alternative funds are available for investment or expansion?
There is plenty of support and alternative funds available for start-ups and growing SMEs seeking financial support...
External investment for your business and where to find it?
If you would benefit from some external investment for your business, your next step is to find the right source of finance.
How to write a good business plan to get a loan
Organisations such as the Start-Up Loan Company...
2022 Seminar Recordings
We have recently hosted a programme of in-person seminars and other events, some of which were professionally recorded and can now be viewed on our website.
Seminar Recording : Access to finance: Funding growth
This workshop will provide guidance on cost based pricing, calculating your costs before deciding an appropriate margin, as well as covering market based pricing asking questions such as: What value do you add? What are you worth? How do you position yourself?
Seminar Recording : Access to finance: Funding growth
This seminar recording with GAP coaching will provide you with a summary of all the commercial funding options available to businesses, with details on how to make your business more attractive to funders.