York Go-Greener Fund: Winners share £20,000 to boost eco business ideas
Ten small businesses in York have today (Wednesday 15 June) been awarded £2,000 from the York £20,000 Go-Greener Fund to give their sustainable business plans a boost!
The Go-Greener Fund was set up by First York with support from us and the FSB (Federation of Small Businesses) in York & North Yorkshire. It aim was to help small businesses in retail, leisure, hospitality, health & beauty and other consumer services encourage eco-friendly high street spending and boost customer-led sustainable growth.
Small businesses had to make the case for how they would use the money through an online application which closed on Sunday 5 June.
The 10 successful firms were decided by a judging panel of Ian Humphreys, Managing Director of First York, the FSB’s Development Manager Carolyn Frank and Sue Jefferson, Chair of the Business Board at York & North Yorkshire Local Enterprise Partnership.
We would like to offer our congratulations to the following businesses who will receive a share of the fund and we look forward to seeing the successful ideas come to life over the coming months:
- Angela Bare
- The Blueberry Academy
- The Blue House Bookshop
- Elisa Day Bridal
- Fabrication
- Forage Bar
- Lodge Cottage Farm Shop
- Plush Café
- York Gin
- York Podiatry
Ian Humphreys said: “The fund has uncovered many imaginative ideas and a real purpose among small businesses in York to develop their sustainability. All these plans will encourage customers to consider environmental choices when shopping and enjoying leisure time in the city and its communities.”
He added: “We intend to provide the funding in the next month so business can get started as soon as possible and continue efforts to reduce the environmental footprint of York.”
Carolyn Frank said: “I hope that customers and other small businesses will be inspired by the winners’ projects to take their own steps to greater sustainability. With the costs of doing businesses rising, cash for investment in sustainability is often scarce, but this shows that by seeking support and thinking creatively, cost savings and increased sales can be achieved from sustainability. The long term effects of small changes can transform businesses.
“The funding from First York has enabled these ten businesses to make a difference and to shine a spotlight on sustainability support from FSB and the Growth Hub, as well as our region’s net zero ambitions.”
Sue Jefferson added: “It was a delight to see so many businesses on the sustainability journey, bringing forward multiple benefits with an exciting pipeline of ideas.
“The business community in York and surrounding area is clearly leading the way to meet consumer demand and be an inspiring showcase for others.”
As well as receiving business support from our team at the Growth Hub, videos of the 10 businesses will go to a people’s vote in early July with the winner getting the chance to be featured in a film about the region’s sustainable businesses which we are making and includes some of the world’s leading voices on climate change.
If you would like to know more about making your business more sustainable, read our ‘6 benefits to business’ guides or contact Faye on the helpdesk who will be able to talk through your needs and the support available.
Fully Funded Automation & Efficiency Webinar Series
Step into digital with Data Stream's Automation & Efficiency Webinar series. Designed to support small businesses make day-to-day work smoother. This series gives a balanced overview of everything needed to streamline everyday work, through a well-rounded introduction to the digital tools and techniques that make running your business smoother and more managea
Strive Live Start-Up Incubator: Expression of Interest
Interested in joining a future cohort of Stive Live Start-Up Incubator? Find out more about the programme below, and register your interest to secure the first places when dates are confirmed.
Christmas crafters urged to check tax rules
People making money from Christmas crafts, seasonal market stalls, or selling festive items are being urged to check if they need to tell HMRC about their earnings. As the festive season approaches, HMRC's Help for Hustles campaign is reminding anyone earning extra income from activities like making Christmas decorations, upcycling furniture for seasonal sales, or running market stalls, that they will need to tell HMRC if they earn more than £1,000.
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.
Self Assessment deadline is 100 days away
More than 3.5 million people have already filed their Self Assessment tax return for the 2024 to 2025 tax year and with 100 days to the 31 January 2026 deadline, HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) is reminding those yet to file to do it early.
Discover Digital workshops in Harrogate
Step into Digital this November, with workshops designed to take you from your 🟢 First Step into Digital to your 🟡 Next Step into Digital. Each full day workshop will take place at Co-Lab Harrogate
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. The idea is simple, we host a relaxed evening with a light supper, and charge a small entry fee. In return, local entrepreneurs pitch their ideas, and the audience votes for their favourite. The winning idea takes home the proceeds to help bring their vision to life.
Unity Racing Secures Third in World STEM Finals
Students from Scarborough UTC’s Unity Racing team have achieved remarkable success at the STEM Racing World Finals (formerly F1 in Schools) in Singapore. The team secured third place globally and won the prestigious FIA Scrutineering Award.
UK Small Business Commissioner to launch York Business Festival 2025
York Business School at York St John University is delighted to announce a packed programme of events for York Business Festival 2025. Alongside invited expert speakers and hosts, the Festival is a showcase of the support that York Business School and the wider University offers to local businesses and social enterprises.
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.