2024/25 Business Support Programmes
Start-Up Support
Start-up support and guidance is available through the programmes below, our dedicated pages and through contacting our pre-start and start-up specialists.
| Programme | Provider | Dates | Availability |
| Start and Grow York | Momentic | Ongoing | This programme is only available to businesses in the City of York Council area. |
| Strive Live Start-Up Incubator | Enterprise Cube | April 24th 2025 | Delivered online to York and North Yorkshire businesses |
| Support for North Yorkshire Social Enterprises | Community First Yorkshire, Social Vision | Ongoing from February 2025 | This programme is only available to social enterprises in the North Yorkshire Council area. |
Peer-to-Peer Programmes
The York and North Yorkshire Growth Hub and City of York Council are launching fully-funded peer support business support programmes to offer North Yorkshire businesses a structured and collaborative environment to work on their business with the people who know best – other business leaders. By participating in regular sessions amongst a small group of non-competing peers, attendees can gain impartial advice, fresh perspective, and tailor-made solutions to take their business to the next level. There are more groups to be confirmed soon. If none of the below suit you, you can register your interest to be informed about future announcements by signing up here.
| Programme | Provider | Dates | Availability |
| Innovate York | University of York | Ongoing | This programme is only available to businesses in the City of York Council area. |
Marketing Support
Businesses in the North Yorkshire Council area have the chance to supercharge their social media and dial up their digital marketing with fully funded support. Whether you’re a tourism business looking ahead to next year, a local business looking to up your social media game, or want to transform your business so it’s ready for the digital world, our support can help you on your marketing journey and improve your reach.
| Programme | Provider | Dates | Availability |
| BOOST – a free programme of activities to support your tourism business | The Tourism Network | On-demand content now available, with in-person events schedule from September | This programme is only available to businesses in the North Yorkshire Council area. |
Skills Bootcamps
Need to boost skills but not break the bank? Skills Bootcamps offer a wide range of business support programmes in areas such as digital marketing, construction, and green energy – reflecting the diverse needs of the modern economy. YNYCA has secured funding from the Department for Education to deliver the programme, which runs until the end of March 2025. More course details to follow in the coming months.
| Programme | Provider | Dates | Availability |
| CAD for Construction | HBXL | Ongoing | Individuals, self-employed and businesses in York and North Yorkshire |
| Construction Management | HBXL | Ongoing | Individuals, self-employed and businesses in York and North Yorkshire |
| Excavator | HBXL | Ongoing | Individuals, self-employed and businesses in York and North Yorkshire |
| Mixed Plant | HBXL | Ongoing | Individuals, self-employed and businesses in York and North Yorkshire |
| Immediate Impact digital bootcamp | Enterprise Made Simple | June – November | Self-employed and businesses in York and North Yorkshire |
| Scaffolding Supervisor Training | Northern Regeneration CIC | August | Individuals, self-employed and businesses in York and North Yorkshire |
| HGV | Wetherby Training Ltd | August | Individuals, self-employed and businesses in York and North Yorkshire |
| Quality Engineering | Corecom Technology Academy | September | Individuals, self-employed and businesses in York and North Yorkshire |
| Social Media | Harrogate College (Luminate Group) | September | Self-employed and businesses in York and North Yorkshire |
| Software Development | Primed Talent | September | Individuals, self-employed and businesses in York and North Yorkshire |
| EV & Hybrid Car Repairs | TEC Partnership/Scarborough TEC | September | Individuals, self-employed and businesses in York and North Yorkshire |
| Unreal Engine and Virtual Production Technologies | Academy of Live Technology Ltd (Production Park) | September | Individuals and self-employed in York and North Yorkshire |
| Technical Production | Academy of Live Technology Ltd (Production Park) | September | Individuals and self-employed in York and North Yorkshire |
| Quality Management | Clear Quality | September | Businesses in York and North Yorkshire |
| Digital Skills for Screen | Screen Yorkshire | October | Individuals, self-employed and businesses in York and North Yorkshire |
| Heat Recovery and Transfer | Heart of Yorkshire Education Group | October | Businesses in York and North Yorkshire |
| Graduate Work Ready Game Industry | Game Republic | October | Individuals and self-employed in York and North Yorkshire |
| Level 3 AAT Bookkeeping | York Learning | November | Individuals, self-employed and businesses in York and North Yorkshire |
Made Smarter
If you’re a manufacturing business that is looking to increase the use of technology and expand your business capabilities, the Made Smarter programme could help you access advice, support and even grant funding.
| Programme | Provider | Dates | Availability |
| Made Smarter | Made Smarter | Ongoing | This programme is available to businesses in York and North Yorkshire. |
Decarbonisation
| Programme | Provider | Dates | Availability |
| Decarbonising the Business Base in York | Green Economy | Ongoing | This programme is only available to businesses in the City of York Council area. |
Leadership Excellence and Development (LEAD)
The Leadership Excellence and Development (LEAD) Programme is tailored for 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.
| Programme | Provider | Dates | Availability |
| LEAD | Various | Ongoing | This programme is available to businesses in North Yorkshire. |
Finance
| Programme | Provider | Dates | Availability |
| North Yorkshire Stars | Lifted Ventures | From October | This programme is only available to businesses in the North Yorkshire Council area. |
| Smart Farm Business Planning | Agricultural Business Training | 4 February – Leyburn | This programme is only available to businesses in the North Yorkshire Council area. |
Tourism
| Programme | Provider | Dates | Availability |
| BOOST | The Tourism Network | Ongoing | This programme is only available to businesses in the North Yorkshire Council area. |
| Business Booster: Marketing Planning for 2025 | The Tourism Business | Scarborough – 13th November Harrogate – 19th November Northallerton – 20th November Leyburn – 26th November | This programme is only available to businesses in the North Yorkshire Council area. |
You can find more workshops and business support programmes on our Events page.
If you have any questions, want to find out more or want to register for any of the above programmes, please contact our Helpdesk inbox.
Articles
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There is a lot of information around about company formats and the associated rules and tax regimes and a lot has changed in recent years. So, what is the best structure to run your business through? Your choice of business vehicle affects the type of taxes you pay, your liability for business debts and the legal and administrative requirements imposed on the business.
Business Essentials - Employing People
As an employer in the UK, you have a number of legal and ethical responsibilities to ensure a safe, fair, and legally compliant working environment for your employees. These responsibilities span various areas, such as employment rights, health and safety, pay and tax obligations, and knowing who your employees are.
Unlock Europe: UK Export Academy
Unlock Europe is a UK Export Academy webinar series designed to help businesses thrive in the EU. It covers market research, regulatory frameworks like GPSR and CBAM, VAT, the TCA and Rules of Origin, with deep dives into key sectors.
Events
04th April 20252:00 pm - 3:30 pmFREE
Workshop: Marketing and Social Media
Join us to look at different approaches to promoting your social enterprise and reaching the right audience. Including an introduction to social media tools and marketing materials.
08th April 202510:00 am - 1:00 pmFREE
Northallerton Business Support Drop-In Mornings
This Northallerton business support drop-in service can help answer your questions and direct you to relevant resources and programmes.
09th April 2025FREE
Webinar: Level-Up Your Live Training
Push your online training to it’s limits to excite and engage your audiences. Are you finding it challenging moving from in-person workshops to delivering your training online?
Resources
Making Values Pay: Webinar Series
Each session is designed to provide practical insights and actionable takeaways whether you’re looking to strengthen your procurement strategy, enhance your marketing, or boost employee engagement.
DIY Health Check For Your Website
Ever wondered how to check how healthy your website is? In this session, we’ll explain step-by-step how to run your own 'website health check' using free and low-cost tools. We’ll cover the fundamentals of your website, including quick checks and easy wins in UX, SEO, and accessibility.
Business Basics Series: Webinar Recordings & Blogs
Delivered by Jo Tomlinson of Business Works UK, these resources provide a guide to key subjects such as bookkeeping, pricing, VAT, company structure, and the responsibilities associated with owning a business.