Work with the Growth Hub: Help us shape the next year of support programmes
Update 28/03/2024: Following this consultation, we now have opportunities available for potential providers which can be found here. If you would still like to provide an expression of interest to help shape future workstreams, you are welcome to do so through the form on this page
We are now planning our business support programmes for the next year, and we are looking to consult the local community of providers to work with the Growth Hub and support businesses.
The list below is based on a continuation of our recent popular programmes, as well as feedback received from the businesses we engage and our network of colleagues working to provide support services. While these are our current intended areas of focus, we are also open to other topics where there is a proven local demand.
Areas of interest
- Access to finance
- Accessible business (e.g. supporting customers with diverse needs)
- Business basics (e.g. self-employment, setting up a business, formal requirements, etc)
- Cyber security
- Digital solutions (helping businesses to adopt e.g. online sales, targeted marketing, EPOS, online booking, websites etc.)
- High Performance Working Practices
- Innovation and productivity
- Leadership and management
- Net zero and decarbonisation (reducing energy costs)
- Recruitment and retention (for key sectors such as hospitality)
- Social media/profile and marketing
Sectoral Business Support
- Farming and agriculture specialist support
- Food and Drink specialist support
- Hospitality specialist support
- Social Economy and Social Enterprise
- Tourism and Visitor Economy specialist support
Potential forms of delivery
- Peer-to-peer programmes: both generalist and potentially groups aimed at specific sectors, localities or demographics
- Other group programmes
- 1:1 work with businesses
- One off workshops or webinars: suggestions for topics welcome
We are particularly keen to hear about areas where you have identified either a strong demand from business in the area, or where there is a lack of support in the area at present.
If you’re interested in receiving updates about opportunities to work with the Growth Hub, make sure you’ve completed our Supplier Register.
Information submitted will be used to guide our planned programme of support over the next year and will not receive feedback or be subject to formal assessment. While there is no fixed deadline for this phase, we intend to launch a formal procurement process by Easter which will provide an opportunity to give full details about your proposal. This exercise will be open to all, separately to any information submitted here. Details of the formal procurement process will be shared widely, including directly to anybody who has provided information on this page or via our above Supplier Register.
Export magic as York business nears 1 million sales milestone
A York-based business owner is set to export 1 million drinks to the US this year and wants more of the region’s businesses to follow in his footsteps. Phil Pinder from the Potions Cauldron will be one of the experts taking part in the export roadshows this month, organised by York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority. The team will visit venues across two weeks including Tadcaster, Harrogate, Scarborough, York, Catterick and Skipton.
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
A new series of roadshows will set out across York and North Yorkshire next month to encourage more businesses to export around the world. Roadshows are free to attend and will set out in October visiting six locations across two weeks including Selby, Harrogate, Scarborough, Helmsley, York and Richmond.
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.
Steps into Digital: Data Analytics for Smarter Decisions Workshop Series
This nine part workshop series is 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.
Scams warning as Self Assessment customers targeted
Scammers often impersonate HMRC, offering fake refunds or demanding urgent payments to steal personal and banking information. They may say it’s safe to share personal details. It’s not. Passwords, usernames, and access codes are private and customers should never share them, even with someone they trust or who helps them with their tax.