Work with the Growth Hub: LEAD and Steps Into Digital Programmes
The Growth Hub are now planning our programmes of support for local businesses for the year, and are again looking to work with expert providers to deliver this support. These programmes are funded by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (SPF)
Two opportunities to work with the Growth Hub are now being launched:
LEAD: Leadership Excellence and Development
Deadline: Friday 16/05/2025
The LEAD programme is designed to support management and business leaders through a match-funded delivery model. It aims to provide long-term benefits to businesses by addressing common challenges such as recruitment and retention. The programme encourages business owners to collaborate on developing long-term skills plans to support their growth ambitions.
Training Aims:
- Soft Skills and Customer Service: Improve communication skills, especially for younger employees.
- Recruitment: Effective recruitment strategies and techniques.
- Retention: Workforce management, career development, and training plans.
- Lean Management and Continuous Improvement: Streamline processes while maintaining quality.
- Growth Strategy: Mentoring and consultancy for business growth.
- Personal and Leadership Growth: Overcome internal barriers to unlock potential.
- Succession Planning: Prepare for future workforce needs.
- Project Management: Introductory training.
- Sales Management and Techniques: Training for managers and team members.
- Finance: Basic skills for non-finance specialists.
- Peer to Peer: Share best practices among senior managers and business owners.
The programme seeks training providers who can deliver lasting impact and positive change, with attendees leaving with actionable plans to implement their learnings.
Steps into Digital
Deadline: Monday 19/05/2025
The ‘Steps into Digital’ programme by the Growth Hub is designed to support businesses in their digital transformation journey. This comprehensive initiative will offer a range of workshops and one-on-one advisory sessions, covering seven key topics to help businesses overcome common barriers such as cost, complexity, and time constraints.
The main objectives of the programme are to simplify technology adoption by providing tailored roadmaps, offer flexible delivery options (both online and in-person), collaborate with local providers and tech specialists, and leverage government grants to encourage digital innovation.
Support will be divided into seven pillars, each focusing on specific areas:
- Digital Marketing Mastery: From website essentials and social media support to advanced campaign automation.
- Ecommerce Essentials: Setting up online stores to expanding internationally.
- Business Automation & Efficiency: Workflow tools to AI-powered automation.
- Data Analytics for Smarter Decisions: Basics of data software to predictive analytics.
- Cyber Security & Digital Resilience: Cybersecurity basics to advanced threat detection.
- Digital Tools for Remote Working & Collaboration: Collaboration tools to custom digital workflows.
- Sector-Specific Digital Transformation: Tailored support for key sectors like Agri-Tech, Tourism, Retail, Manufacturing, VCSEs, and Creatives.
Overall, the ‘Steps into Digital’ programme aims to make technology more accessible and beneficial for businesses of all sizes, helping them thrive in the digital age.
Applications have now closed.
If you’re interested in benefiting from the programme, visit Steps into Digital Programme: Expression of Interest
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Innovation Supper provides funding boost for First Leaf Farm
The event followed its now well-established format: attendees enjoyed supper while hearing from local entrepreneurs, each given ten minutes to pitch their business idea followed by questions from the audience. At the end of the evening, participants voted to decide which business would receive the proceeds from ticket sales, providing both a financial boost and valuable exposure to an engaged local network.
Digital Marketing Sprint: Tadcaster & Sherburn in Elmet
Sign up to our programme of four hands-on workshops in Tadcaster and Sherburn in Elmet, delivered by Client Marketing, designed to help small businesses boost their online presence, save time with smart tools, and feel confident about digital marketing.
Export Roadshows: Get your business exporting around the world
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Building Resilience: Why every business needs a continuity plan.
In an ever-changing world, businesses face a variety of risks—from natural disasters to cyberattacks—that can disrupt operations and threaten their survival. The good news? With the right preparation, businesses can mitigate these risks and bounce back stronger than ever.
Steps into Digital: Voucher Scheme
Benefit from a bespoke approach to digital transformation, accessible and manageable to all at any level. Providers will collaborate with business's on a one-to-one basis, delivering tailored support that aligns with specific digital needs and objectives.
[FULL] 1-2-1 SEO Support: Tailored advice to help your website rank higher in Google
These sessions offer practical, one-to-one SEO support that’s all about your business. Many business owners have already attended SEO courses or watched tutorials but still struggle when it comes to applying what they’ve learned to their own website. This support is designed to look at your site, your goals and discuss specific actions you can take to make real improvements.
Fancy trying your hand at running your very own market stall - absolutely free for one day?
North Yorkshire Council are offering you the chance to try your hand at running your own market stall. First-time traders can run a stall absolutely free for one day, from now until the end of September. Take your pick from one of the vibrant markets in Thirsk, Northallerton, Ripon, Knaresborough, Pickering, Helmsley, and Whitby.
Strive Live Start-Up Incubator: October 2025 (BSL Interpreted)
Following ongoing high demand and supporting hundreds of entrepreneurs, the Growth Hub is planning to once again partner up with Enterprise Cube to deliver a cohort of the Strive Live Start-Up Incubator, scheduled for October 2025. Find out more about more about the programme below, and register your interest to secure the first places when dates are confirmed.
Advice and Support for North Yorkshire Businesses
North Yorkshire Council offer support to businesses across the region. We understand that there may be particular pressures as a result of the Moorland Wildfire. If you need to talk to a business advisor, please email business.nyc@northyorks.gov.uk and one of our colleagues will be in touch. If you’re in the Visitor Economy, Visit North Yorkshire offers specialist support, get in touch by contacting the team.