Local start-ups set for bright future after completing StriveLive incubator
Fourteen local start-up businesses have recently completed StriveLive, a two-month start-up incubator, with five businesses picking up awards and £2,500 in grant funding.
The StriveLive start-up incubator project was open to residents of the former Harrogate Borough Council (now North Yorkshire Council) and City of York Council areas, or those setting up business there.
“I’m really thrilled to win the Strive Best Brand Award. The recognition and confidence the award brings along with everything I’ve learnt on the Strive project, makes me far better equipped to really grow the business.” – Russell Gordon, founder of InSync Cycling Coach
“Strive is an amazing place to learn absolutely everything you need to know about business. But most importantly Paul, Richard and Laura work very hard and they are always available for any questions or concerns we had. We really enjoyed it and we have learned a lot from the project.” – Daniela Genova, founder of Café Lago di Como, pictured with partner Nertil Xhallo
“I encourage anyone who is nurturing their small business idea to sign up for Strive. The project will benefit everyone on their business journey. Engaging sessions delivered in a friendly and encouraging environment. Plus, you get to meet likeminded people, which is fabulous.” – Andrea Clarke, founder of Hand Sown Flowers
Three business experts were invited to judge Branding, Marketing, Concept and Strategy categories in which each winner scooped a £500 business grant. It was no easy task, judges saw an incredible range of businesses and talented local entrepreneurs. When the judging concluded a cycling coach, Russell Gordon, Harrogate café, Lago di Como, massage therapist, Abigail Homer, first aid trainer Yvonne Lewis, and Andrea Clarke who cultivates hand-sown flowers had come out on top.
The StriveLive start-up incubator was funded by the former Harrogate Borough Council and City of York Council, and commissioned by the York & North Yorkshire Growth Hub as part of a series of business support programmes and events. To find more upcoming events and workshops, please visit our events page.
Award winners for 2022’s start-up incubator
- Yvonne Lewis won Best Business Concept for Wise First Aid Training which offers a range of first aid training, including courses for parents and toddlers.
- Daniela Genova and Nertil Xhallo won Best Marketing for Café Lago di Como, a café in the centre of Harrogate offering award winning Italian cuisine.
- Russell Gordon won Best Brand for Insync Cycling Coach which offers coaching, bike fitting and is supporting the Northeast Cyclocross Championships.
- Abigail Homer won a Strive Start-Up award for The Therapy Room Thirsk which offers a range of massages.
- Andrea Clarke won Best Strategy for Hand-Sown Flowers which cultivates flowers locally for weddings and florists.
To find out more about business support, you can contact the Growth Hub directly either online or by calling Faye on our helpdesk for free on 0800 246 5045.
Meet your High Street Coordinator: Vibrant and Sustainable High Street Fund
If you’re unsure whether your project idea is a good fit for the Vibrant and Sustainable High Streets fund, have any questions or simply need support, please get in touch with your local High Street Coordinator to discuss your proposal.
Innovation Supper – Apply to pitch
After the incredible success of the previous event, we’re thrilled to announce the return of Innovation Supper, and once again, we’re inviting you apply to pitch. 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 4 September 2025.
UK organisations stand to benefit from new data protection laws
The Data (Use and Access) Act 2025 (DUAA) has now received Royal Assent. This new legislation updates key aspects of data protection law, making it easier for UK businesses to protect people’s personal information while growing and innovating their products and services.
Launch of week-long programme to help businesses to thrive
Businesses across North Yorkshire are being given key advice and the chance to develop their enterprises with the launch of the first event of its kind in the county that has been heralded as a “vital move” to supporting the economy.
Digital Adoption Grant - Apply Now
The Digital Inclusion Capital Grant aims to support businesses to adopt new technologies and resources, in order to increase innovation and productivity. The fund opened for applications on Monday 16 June 2025 and will close at 5pm on Monday 14 July 2025.
Leadership Excellence and Development Programme Launched for North Yorkshire
The Leadership Excellence and Development (LEAD) Programme is tailored for small business owners who want to strengthen their leadership skills and drive business growth. Over six months, this programme covers key areas essential for your success, delivered by experts in their fields through a mix of workshops, coaching, and consultancy.
Strive Live Start-Up Incubator: September 2025 (Register your interest)
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, tentatively scheduled for September 2025. Find out more about more about the programme below, and register your interest to secure the first places when dates are confirmed.
YNY Equity Hub: Are you investor ready?
Soon we'll be launching the YNY Equity Hub - take a look at the available resources to ensure you're investor ready. The platform will offer a user-friendly portal where businesses can effectively present their investment opportunities and highlight their growth potential to investors nationwide.
£1.9 million to be invested in making York and North Yorkshire businesses more sustainable
Mayor of York and North Yorkshire, David Skaith is investing £1.9m of UKSPF funds to help decarbonise businesses in the region.
Successful Applicants Announced For Phase One of Mayor’s High Street Fund
The Mayor of York and North Yorkshire, David Skaith, has announced the successful applicants from Phase One of the Vibrant and Sustainable High Street Fund.
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.