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 | 7 week programmes begin: Thursday 24 April Tuesday 10 June | 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 continue the programme in 2025.
More course details to follow in the coming months.
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. The LEAD programme is currently paused. To understand the available support, please get in touch with Adrian, our Skills and Training Specialist. |
Tourism
| Programme | Provider | Dates | Availability |
| BOOST | The Tourism Network | Ongoing | 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
Making Values Pay: Sustainability and Staff Engagement
What is the real value to sustainability to an organisation? Is it something to pursue or a waste of money? In this article we explore the benefits and risks of getting to grips with sustainability.
Innovation Supper - Funding Opportunity
York Business School, Patch York and the Growth Hub are delighted to bring you our first ever Innovation Supper. The basic idea is that we provide some supper, and charge a small entry fee, we then invite local community projects to pitch for the proceeds and hold a vote to select the winner - It’s that simple!
Business Essentials – Structure
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.
Events
17th April 20259:30 am - 11:00 amFREE
North Yorkshire Council: Connect Over A Cuppa
‘Connect Over A Cuppa’ Harrogate drop-in sessions help businesses to share new ideas, solve problems, and connect with like-minded businesses.
23rd April 20259:30 am - 11:30 amFREE
RICHMOND: Growth Hub Roadshow
Are you ready to take your business to the next level? The Growth Hub roadshow is heading to Tennants Auctioneers in Leyburn, on Wednesday 23 April. Join us for this unique opportunity to see the available support in action and connect with like-minded individuals in your area.
24th April 20257:00 pm - 9:00 pmFREE
April 2025: Strive Live Start-Up Incubator
Having previously supported over 200 early stage businesses in our region, the Growth Hub will once again be working with Enterprise Cube to deliver a cohort of the Strive Live Startup-Up Incubator, which will begin on Thursday 24 April If you are currently running or looking to launch a start-up based in York & North Yorkshire, join this award-winning incubator designed to help grassroots entrepreneurs launch their business. Strive Live blends weekly live online training with regular one-to-one advice and on-demand online learning to make it simple and exciting to start a business. Plus, you could win up to £2,500 in micro grants at the end of the programme.
Resources
Featured Webinar Playlist: Getting Started with Social Media
Don't know where to start with social media? Feeling like you might be missing something? Get instant access to the six-part webinar series delivered by Caroline Wilson of Hot Toddi.
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.
Featured Webinar Playlist: Making Values Pay
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.