Business Innovation & Funding

Business innovation should be an accessible goal for organisations of all sizes and does not always have to revolve around technology.

There are many ways in which businesses can think creatively about how they adapt to the rapidly evolving needs and tastes of their audience.

However, businesses are often restricted by a lack of finance, resources, time or know-how to get ideas off the ground. Plus, unpredictable world events can make it difficult for businesses to think about business innovation.

Our growth managers can work with you to refine your plans and, with strong links to partner organisations and educational establishments, help you find a route through any barriers that you may be facing.

In addition, we can provide innovation advice to organisations that are looking to relocate to York and North Yorkshire. Whether you are a foreign-owned or UK business looking to expand, relocate or invest, Invest in York & North Yorkshire can help.

We can help with:

  • Structural barriers
    Tackling natural or tactical barriers that arise preventing new entry into your market.

  • Financial Barriers
    Wanting to make change but lacking the funds to accomplish these goals

  • Business communication 
    Improving internal and external practices and reducing errors by sharing information in the right way.

Fund your business innovation with 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.

Whether you are completely brand new to digital technology, or you have already started your digitalisation journey, you will be able to receive bespoke advice on anything from skills and leadership to innovation strategies.

Adopting new technology can be daunting, but the Made Smarter scheme will enable you to get the best advice and support from the pioneers and experts in national and local industry bodies.

Made Smarter is encouraging the UK’s next industrial revolution by giving you the competitive edge in a rapidly-growing industry. The programme aims to bring the best out of the UK manufacturing industry by upskilling and encouraging collaboration and innovation – keeping us ahead of the competition in the global manufacturing stage.

Get Made Smarter

Find out more about Innovation

To find out more about how we can help with Business Innovation, get in touch.

Contact us

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Events

12th February 20259:30 am - 4:30 pmFREE

February: Harrogate Sales Masterclass – REACH

Elevate your sales skills with the REACH programme, a two-day workshop designed to boost your sales knowledge, hit rate, and confidence. Perfect for all experience levels, REACH helps you build relationships, establish trust, and close deals effectively. Join us to unlock your sales potential!

Sales & Marketing

12th February 20256:00 pm - 7:00 pmFREE

Networking for Social Entrepreneurs: Selby

As part of our Programme of Support for Social Enterprises, these networking sessions, hosted by Social Vision, will offer an opportunity for social entrepreneurs to meet, learn, and share with peers. Come along to network with others running local social enterprises and learn about the wider package of support available for social enterprises in North Yorkshire.  

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