Business Support Programmes (2025-2026)
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Discover a wide range of support programmes designed to provide expert-led learning for businesses of every size, at every stage.
At the Growth Hub, we collaborate with a wide range of partners to deliver the highest quality support to our businesses. The information below highlights opportunities and services offered by the Combined Authority, local authorities, national government agencies, and the private sector, including both major national providers and local business experts.
This includes everything from self-service resources to comprehensive, long-term support programmes, as well as opportunities for networking. There are also a number of funding and finance opportunities available through the Growth Hub and York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority to help support your business growth.
If you can’t find what you’re looking for, or would like specific support, get in touch.
Explore Learning, Development and Support Programmes
Steps into Digital Programme
A fully-funded supportive, paced approach to digital transformation, accessible and manageable to all at any level.
Strive Live Start-Up Incubator: October 2025
Join this award-winning incubator designed to help grassroots entrepreneurs launch their business.
Tourism & Hospitality Support Programmes
Support tailored for the tourism and hospitality sector designed to help you make the most of every season.
Skills Bootcamps
Skills Bootcamps are funded, flexible courses of up to 16 weeks, giving people the opportunity to build up sector-specific skills.
Business Resilience
As a business owner, it’s essential to understand the potential risks your business may face and where to find support when needed.
Peer Learning & Networking
Building genuine connections with fellow business owners can offer priceless insight and support, as many may be navigating similar challenges
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.
Start & Grow Y&NY
If you are a business based in York or North Yorkshire or you are setting up a business, we have a brand new business support programme to help turn your visions and plans into reality.
York and North Yorkshire Work and Skills Interchange
The York and North Yorkshire Work and Skills Interchange will offer advice and make connections for people seeking work, or trying to stay in work.
Business Basics Series
Whether you’re preparing for investment, or brushing up on the fundamentals, these webinars and resources are suitable for all.
Adult Skills Fund
Discover how the Adult Skills Fund can benefit your business. Courses may be fully or part-funded, dependant on learner eligibility criteria.
DBT International Trade
Department for Business & Trade support businesses to invest, grow and export, creating jobs and opportunities across the country.
Funding and Finance Opportunities
YNY Equity Hub
The YNY Equity Hub has been designed to address this barrier, offering a user-friendly portal where businesses can effectively present their investment opportunities and highlight their growth potential to investors nationwide.
Vibrant and Sustainable High Streets Fund
Applications for Phase Two of the Vibrant and Sustainable High Streets Fund are now closed.
Business Innovation Fund
This fund includes a Sector Activity programme, Spin-Out & Start-Up programme, Get Exporting programme, Great Ideas programme, and Get Funded programme. Visit the page to see the full list of deadlines.
Business Sustainability Programme
At its core, the programme is about supporting businesses, delivering climate action and contributing to the economic growth of our region. Closing 19 September.
Find your local business advisor
If you’re based in North Yorkshire, visit; Business North Yorkshire | North Yorkshire Council
If you’re based in York, visit; Grow Your Business | City of York Council
For subject specific support, visit; Help & support for businesses in York & North Yorkshire | Y&NY Growth Hub
Articles
Business Basics – How much is your Business Worth
Being aware of your business's value enables you to determine a fair selling price for some or all of your shares, negotiate efficiently with prospective buyers, and secure beneficial financing deals, among other advantages.
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.
Events
03rd September 202510:00 am - 11:30 amFREE
🌎 Business Basics Webinar: How much is your Business Worth
Understanding how much your business is worth is really important if you are looking for equity investment, or if you are looking to sell some or all of your business. You don’t want to insult a potential investor by going in too high, but equally, you want to get what your business is worth.
03rd September 202512:00 pm - 3:00 pmFREE
York Retrofit Network
This is the nineth meeting of the York Retrofit Network, which is part of a wider project supported by Innovate UK to create a Retrofit One-Stop-Shop for York. The meetings will occur roughly every two months.
04th September 202510:00 am - 11:30 amFREE
🟡 Webinar: Complete Web design for small businesses and start ups
This practical and engaging webinar is designed to empower small business owners, sole traders, and creatives to make informed decisions about building and maintaining their own websites. Whether you're just starting out or looking to improve your existing site, this session will provide clear, actionable guidance to help you move forward with confidence.
Resources
Business Basics Series Part 2: Webinar Recordings & Blogs
These resources provide a guide to key subjects such as tax, pricing and all things numbers. Jo Tomlinson is a qualified Management Accountant, certified QuickBooks Advanced ProAdvisor, Making Tax Digital ProAdvisor and 1 of only 11 Certified QuickBooks Trainers’ that work on behalf of QuickBooks, training accountants across the UK.
Webinar Recording: How to get higher in Google: The basics
Want your website to be seen by as many potential customers as possible? Get practical tips from an experienced Search Engine Optimisation professional on how to woo those elusive search engine robots and climb the rankings.
Vibrant and Sustainable High Street Fund Phase 2 - Webinar Series
This webinar series is designed to provide practical guidance and in-depth support with your application. Applications for Phase Two of the Vibrant and Sustainable High Streets Fund are now open, and will close at 5pm on the 31st July.