In the early stages of starting or developing a business in York and North Yorkshire? Access fully funded, specialist support through the York & North Yorkshire Growth Hub. 

Starting a business is exciting, but many first-time business owners are unsure where to begin and how to move forward. The York & North Yorkshire Growth Hub addresses this by providing accessible, fully funded support tailored to those at the earliest stages of their journey and beyond.  

Working closely with partners including City of York Council and North Yorkshire Council, the Growth Hub plays a key role in strengthening the local economy by supporting new and growing businesses across the region. 

Harriet Stainton, Interim Growth Hub Delivery Manager, said: 

“York and North Yorkshire is becoming one of the most dynamic and exciting regions in the UK to start and grow a business.  

“With dedicated support, expert guidance, and a community that genuinely backs innovation, the Growth Hub is giving entrepreneurs the tools they need to turn bold ideas into successful, sustainable companies.  

“Our team are so excited to see what comes next from this fantastic region, make sure you’re a part of it!” 

Faye Greer-Pickup, Pre-Start Specialist at the Growth Hub, works with individuals at the earliest stages of their business journey. Support includes assistance with foundational paperwork, proof reading and identifying useful networks. 

James, founder of the Community Interest Company PLAS (Prison Liaison Advisory Service), said: 

“The Growth Hub gave me the framework and the confidence to believe that I could do this. Faye helped me structure my dream into a reality. Just to know that Faye was there was enough!  

“She helped and encouraged me all the way, with sound advice and pointing me in the right direction. She also encouraged me to join certain events and programmes relevant to me and my business.” 

For those already running a business, tailored support is also available to help owners refine their approach and plan for growth. Karen Booth, Start-up and Female Entrepreneur Specialist, provides a friendly sounding board to discuss ideas and ambitions, assistance with action planning and connections to a wide range of business support programmes. 

Joanne, founder of rural hospitality business Little Seed Field, said: 

“Karen challenges me, she asks me the questions that no nobody else in my inner circle would. 

“She’s helped me become much more laser focused on the core of the business, and that process is still ongoing. Even recently, after I had spent a lot of time refining things, she pointed out that parts of my website still felt vague. 

“She told me for my own clarity and peace of mind, I need to define exactly what we do and just as importantly, what we don’t do. Without that focus, I was spreading myself too thin, investing time and energy into areas that weren’t sustainable or profitable.” 

Anyone based in York and North Yorkshire with a business idea, or those in the early stages of running a business, can access fully funded support through the Growth Hub. The service is designed to be flexible, inclusive and responsive to the needs of the region’s diverse business community. 

The Growth Hub continues to play a key role in strengthening the local economy, by supporting individuals to take their first steps in business, enabling more people to realise their ambitions within York and North Yorkshire. 

Explore their success stories