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
Work with the Growth Hub: Invitation to Quote to Providers
The York & North Yorkshire Growth Hub is inviting providers to express interest in delivering two new business support programmes funded by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (SPF). These initiatives aim to strengthen local business networks, improve resilience, and support growth across the region.
Risk and Resilience in Your Business
Running a business can be risky. There are so many things that can impact your performance, and profit. Potentially destroying all that you worked so hard to build. Some of these things are impossible to plan for, but lots of potential risks can be mitigated by identification and planning.
Self Assessment deadline is 100 days away
More than 3.5 million people have already filed their Self Assessment tax return for the 2024 to 2025 tax year and with 100 days to the 31 January 2026 deadline, HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) is reminding those yet to file to do it early.
Events
03rd November 202512:00 am - 2:00 pmFREE
🟢 First Step: Data protection essentials
This session will equip you with the essential understanding of the UK GDPR principles, when and how to register with the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO), and your obligations with regards data subject rights. In other words, what you need to know from day 1 to run your business compliantly.
04th November 202510:00 am - 1:00 pmFREE
🟡 [FULL] Online Workshops: Digital Marketing Success Series (Next Step into Digital)
Join our Digital Marketing Success Series designed especially for small business owners who want to grow online, even if you don’t consider yourself “tech-savvy.” This weekly workshop series will guide you through the basics of digital marketing and on to more advanced strategies – all at your pace, with the same supportive group of peers by your side. Whether you’re just getting started or ready to scale, this workshop program will help you to build confidence, clarity, and results in your online marketing.
04th November 202510:00 am - 1:00 pmFREE
Strategic Digital Marketing Planning: Sherburn in Elmet
Join us for 📊 Strategic Digital Marketing Planning in Sherburn in Elmet on Tuesday 4 November. Turn ideas into an action plan. Perfect if you want to move from “posting when you can” to running strategic digital marketing that actually supports your goals.
Resources
Webinar Series: Data Analytics for Smarter Decisions
Data Analytics for Smarter Decisions, is a nine part online workshop series designed to help businesses at every stage of their data journey, from those just starting out to those ready to explore artificial intelligence and compliance. Each session is practical, jargon free and grounded in real business use cases, ensuring participants leave with tools and knowledge they can apply immediately.
Data Analytics for Smarter Decisions
We recommend bookmarking this page, as all recordings and resources will be added here after each webinar. Data Analytics for Smarter Decisions, is a nine part online workshop series designed to
Webinar Recording: A Grassroots Approach to Thriving Towns
This webinar, funded through the Mayor’s Vibrant and Sustainable High Streets Fund, shares practical tools, inspiring stories, and proven strategies to activate your own high street on small budgets, from the ground up.