Business Innovation & Funding
Business innovation should be an accessible goal for organisations of all sizes and does not always have to revolve around technology.
There are many ways in which businesses can think creatively about how they adapt to the rapidly evolving needs and tastes of their audience.
However, businesses are often restricted by a lack of finance, resources, time or know-how to get ideas off the ground. Plus, unpredictable world events can make it difficult for businesses to think about business innovation.
Our growth managers can work with you to refine your plans and, with strong links to partner organisations and educational establishments, help you find a route through any barriers that you may be facing.
In addition, we can provide innovation advice to organisations that are looking to relocate to York and North Yorkshire. Whether you are a foreign-owned or UK business looking to expand, relocate or invest, Invest in York & North Yorkshire can help.
We can help with:
- Cultural barriers
Challenges with cross-cultural communication, especially for businesses looking to expand into international markets.
- Structural barriers
Tackling natural or tactical barriers that arise preventing new entry into your market.
- Financial Barriers
Wanting to make change but lacking the funds to accomplish these goals
- Business communication
Improving internal and external practices and reducing errors by sharing information in the right way.
Fund your business innovation with Made Smarter
If you’re a manufacturing business that is looking to increase the use of technology and expand your business capabilities, the Made Smarter programme could help you access advice, support and even grant funding.
Whether you are completely brand new to digital technology, or you have already started your digitalisation journey, you will be able to receive bespoke advice on anything from skills and leadership to innovation strategies.
Adopting new technology can be daunting, but the Made Smarter scheme will enable you to get the best advice and support from the pioneers and experts in national and local industry bodies.
Made Smarter is encouraging the UK’s next industrial revolution by giving you the competitive edge in a rapidly-growing industry. The programme aims to bring the best out of the UK manufacturing industry by upskilling and encouraging collaboration and innovation – keeping us ahead of the competition in the global manufacturing stage.
Find out more about Innovation
To find out more about how we can help with Business Innovation, get in touch.
Articles
Innovating Sustainable Christmas Trees with Growth Hub Support
Founder of Festive Green, a start-up which creates sustainable artificial Christmas trees, received support from the Growth Hub through a range of hands-on programmes designed to give start-ups a step up.
North Yorkshire Business Week 2025
Join us for North Yorkshire Councils first North Yorkshire Business Week, themed around innovation and growth. This week will feature a diverse programme of in-person and online events.
First North Yorkshire Business Week to promote innovation and growth
A celebration of North Yorkshire’s diverse and innovative businesses and a week of opportunity to share best practice and learn vital skills to help enterprise grow will take place in June.
Events
21st May 20259:30 am - 11:30 amFREE
SKIPTON: Growth Hub Roadshow
The finale of the Growth Hub Roadshow will be held at the Elsworth at the Mill in Skipton on Wednesday 21 May, take full advantage of this unique opportunity to see the available support in action and connect with like-minded individuals in your area.
22nd May 20259:30 am - 12:00 pmFREE
Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund II - Scarborough Roadshow
The £660 million Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund II offers a range of commercial finance options with debt finance from £25,000 to £2 million and equity investment up to £5 million.
28th May 2025FREE
Protecting Your Innovation: An Intellectual Property (IP) Breakfast for Businesses and Innovators
Is your Intellectual Property a hidden asset or a vulnerable liability? Discover how to turn your ideas into a competitive advantage at our Intellectual Property (IP) Breakfast for Business Growth. Join us on Wednesday, May 28th, at York St John University, York.
Resources
Featured Webinar Playlist: Wellbeing
Learn how to build resilience and communication, create a positive work environment, and support the mental health of both your team and yourself with our free wellbeing webinars playlist.
Webinar Recording: Why does Intellectual Property matter to your business?
This webinar will equip you with the knowledge to leverage IP for competitive advantage, investor attraction, and long-term business growth, ultimately showing you how a strategic approach to IP can be the difference between success and missed opportunities.
Featured Webinar Playlist: Getting Started with Social Media
Don't know where to start with social media? Feeling like you might be missing something? Get instant access to the six-part webinar series delivered by Caroline Wilson of Hot Toddi.