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
Business Essentials: What is a Tax Deductible Expense?
As a business owner, it can be daunting when you are trying to work out what you can and can’t claim as tax deductible expense. Other business owners will give you their opinion but is that the right advice for you and your business? You can search online, but this can be confusing and often contradictory. So, what can you claim?
Business Essentials Webinar Series: Learn, Grow, Succeed
These free online sessions cover fundamental aspects of running a business, from tax-deductible expenses to company structures and employing people. Each session is packed with everything you need to navigate the complexities of business management.
Making Values Pay: Webinar Series
Join us for our latest online workshop series Making Values Pay to see how embracing purpose-driven practices can help your business thrive. Explore how embedding good business practices can help you win work, tell your story, and build an engaged workforce.
Events
24th February 202510:00 am - 11:30 amFREE
Social Enterprise – Mentee/Mentor Training Session
This is an amazing opportunity to get dedicated, 121 support, often with amazing results. Working with the team at Coaching York, training and support will be provided.
26th February 20259:30 am - 4:30 pmFREE
Harrogate Project Management Masterclass – FOCUS
Unlock your team's potential with FOCUS, a transformative two-day workshop designed to elevate efficiency and collaboration. Join us to master essential skills like project management, time management, and creative thinking. Register now to build a stronger, more innovative team!
26th February 20254:00 pm - 5:30 pmFREE
Social Enterprise Support: Kick Off 2
Join us on Wed 26th Feb to explore your social entrepreneur ambitions. We will talk you through the different elements of this support programme, including free workshops, network sessions, peer support and chance to apply for £500 seed funding. Meet the team and hear from fellow entrepreneurs.
Resources
Webinar: Unlock the Power of Apprenticeships
Are you a business owner, or part of a business team looking to boost your workforce? Apprenticeships could be the game-changer you’re looking for, but there’s a lot of myths and misconceptions out there. Join our lunchtime webinar and get the facts you need to make an informed decision. Don’t let misconceptions hold you and your business back.
Webinar Recording: Financial Management – do you know your numbers?
Master the art of financial planning, track your key performance indicators with precision, and make smarter, real-time decisions to drive success.
Webinar: Owning a Business: an introduction to what you need to know
Owning a business comes with much responsibility and red tape. This workshop offers an insight into what these are and how you can best deal with them to avoid getting into trouble. This workshop is mostly aimed at the owners of Limited Companies, but much of the content is also relevant to other business formats too.
