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
Fabrication flourishes with support from City of York Council
Fabrication, a social enterprise, independent shop and creative workspace, recently celebrated a significant milestone with the launch of their newest creative spaces.
Steps into Digital Program: Expression of Interest
The Steps into Digital Program is launching soon, register your interest using the form below to stay updated with key details and expected launch dates. The SPF funded digital program focusses on strategic, guided steps toward adopting the right digital tools and practices for your business. Emphasising a supportive, paced approach to digital transformation, the program is accessible and manageable to all at any level.
Work with the Growth Hub: LEAD and Steps Into Digital Programmes
The Growth Hub are now planning our programmes of support for local businesses for the year, and are again looking to work with expert providers to deliver this support. These programmes are funded by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (SPF) Two opportunities to work with the Growth Hub are now being launched:
Events
07th May 202512:00 pm - 3:00 pmFREE
York Retrofit Network
This is the seventh 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.
07th May 20259:30 am - 11:30 amFREE
HARROGATE: Growth Hub Roadshow
Join us for this unique opportunity to see the available support in action and connect with like-minded individuals in your area.
08th May 202510:00 am - 1:00 pmFREE
Harrogate Business Support Drop-In Mornings
Are you thinking of starting your own business, or looking for help to grow your business? Call in to our drop-in mornings hosted at Harrogate Co-Lab and meet the business support specialists from the Growth Manager team and York & North Yorkshire Growth Hub.
Resources
Webinar Recording: Why does Intellectual Property matter to your business?
This webinar will equip you with the knowledge to leverage IP for competitive advantage, investor attraction, and long-term business growth, ultimately showing you how a strategic approach to IP can be the difference between success and missed opportunities.
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.