Business Support Programmes (2025-2026)
Sign up to our weekly newsletter | Success stories | Latest blogs | Recorded webinars | Latest events
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.
Steps into Digital Voucher Scheme
Providers will collaborate with business’s on a one-to-one basis, delivering tailored support that aligns with specific digital needs and objectives. This personalised approach ensures the guidance received is both relevant and practical. Phase one is now closed.
Vibrant and Sustainable High Streets Fund
Applications for Phase Two of the Vibrant and Sustainable High Streets Fund are now closed. Discover your local High Street Coordinator.
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
Export Roadshows: Get your business exporting around the world
A new series of roadshows will set out across York and North Yorkshire next month to encourage more businesses to export around the world. Roadshows are free to attend and will set out in October visiting six locations across two weeks including Selby, Harrogate, Scarborough, Helmsley, York and Richmond.
Business Basics – Shared Ownership
Directors and shareholders of UK companies have many rights and responsibilities, but how do these change when you are one of a number of shareholders in a company?
Building Resilience: Why very business needs a continuity plan.
In an ever-changing world, businesses face a variety of risks—from natural disasters to cyberattacks—that can disrupt operations and threaten their survival. The good news? With the right preparation, businesses can mitigate these risks and bounce back stronger than ever.
Events
19th September 202510:00 am - 1:00 pmFREE
🟢 SEO and website auditing fundamentals
This fully funded three-hour workshop will provide an interactive, face-to-face session for anybody who is new to search engine optimisation (SEO). Ideal for those looking to develop a website or improve on their existing site, this beginners’ course will give a broad overview of the three areas of SEO: onsite, offsite and technical.
25th September 20256:00 pm - 8:00 pm£10
🌍 Innovation Supper
Back by popular demand! York Business School, Patch York and the York & North Yorkshire Growth Hub are delighted to bring you our second Innovation Supper! The basic idea is: We provide some supper, charge a small entry fee, then invite local community projects to pitch for the proceeds raised through the fee, and hold a vote to select the winner - It's that simple! It’s a simple way to do some good.
25th September 202510:00 am - 4:00 pmFREE
Two-day e-commerce workshop - (Harrogate)
Ready to launch or elevate your online store? Join our comprehensive two-day course designed to give you the essential knowledge and advanced strategies you need to succeed! Day 1: The Essentials & Day 2: Advanced Strategies.
Resources
Webinar Recordings: LinkedIn Webinar SeriesLinkedIn Webinar Series
This three-part LinkedIn webinar series is designed to support you at every stage of your LinkedIn journey, from building a presence to leveraging the platform for business growth. Starting with Build Your Personal Brand on LinkedIn, Elevate Your LinkedIn, and finally Elevate LinkedIn for Business Growth.
Webinar Recording: IP Readiness for Investment: A Strategic Guide for Early-Stage Businesses
For early-stage businesses, intellectual property is often the most valuable asset on the table. Yet many founders underestimate how closely investors scrutinize IP during due diligence. Delivered by experienced Patent Attorney Melvyn Ansell, this session will explore how to turn your IP into a powerful lever for funding, valuation, and long-term growth.
Resources: How to get higher in Google, the basics
Want your website to be seen by as many potential customers as possible? Download the following resources to gain practical tips from an experienced Search Engine Optimisation professional, and climb the rankings.