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.

Innovation Supper: 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.

Celebrating a Career Supporting Business Growth 

Growth Hub Manager Simon Middleton is stepping into retirement following a long and rewarding career defined by his dedication to the region’s business community. Colleagues, partners and the many businesses he has supported wish Simon the very best for a happy and well-deserved retirement. 

Going For Growth: Make your business profitable today

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New business fund tackles biggest barrier to growth

The Mayor of York and North Yorkshire has invited businesses to apply for a new programme to help overcome one of the biggest barriers to growth. Get Funded, part of the Mayor’s Business Innovation Fund and backed by £200,000 in funding, launched today and will run for the next two years until December 2027.

Kick Off In Business: Fully Funded Opportunity

Online business start-up & self-employment courses funded by York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority’s Adult Skills Fund, providing straightforward, practical information and guidance for anyone who is in the process of setting up a business or simply exploring the idea. 

Mentoring Programme Set to Strengthen Local Business 

The Mentoring for Growth Programme is designed to support small businesses across York and North Yorkshire that are ready to grow, scale, and move confidently into their next stage. The pilot will match local business owners and leaders with mentors from outside their industry, helping them to develop the core, non-technical skills that underpin sustainable business growth.