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:
- Cultural barriers
Challenges with cross-cultural communication, especially for businesses looking to expand into international markets.
- 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.
Find out more about Innovation
To find out more about how we can help with Business Innovation, get in touch.
Articles
Business Basics – Selling a Business or Shares in a Business
Being aware of your business's value enables you to determine a fair selling price for some or all of your shares and negotiate efficiently with prospective buyers. But where do you find a buyer for your shares, and what happens now?
Steps into Digital: Voucher Scheme
Benefit from a bespoke approach to digital transformation, accessible and manageable to all at any level. Providers will collaborate with business's on a one-to-one basis, delivering tailored support that aligns with specific digital needs and objectives.
1-2-1 SEO Support: Tailored advice to help your website rank higher in Google
These sessions offer practical, one-to-one SEO support that’s all about your business. Many business owners have already attended SEO courses or watched tutorials but still struggle when it comes to applying what they’ve learned to their own website. This support is designed to look at your site, your goals and discuss specific actions you can take to make real improvements.
Events
16th September 20251:00 pm - 2:30 pmFREE
🌎 Business Basics Webinar: Shared ownership
Having a business partner can seriously benefit a business. Capitalizing on two or more sets of skills and experience, as well as having another pair of hands to contribute to the day to day running of the business. But not all business partners are the same, some want a silent role, whilst others are more hands on. So, choosing the right business partner is crucial.
17th September 202510:00 am - 11:30 amFREE
🟢 LinkedIn Webinar: Build Your Personal Brand on LinkedIn
The webinar will cover the importance of building an online presence on professional networking site LinkedIn.
18th September 202510:00 am - 1:00 pmFREE
🟡 LEAP into Digital Marketing: Next Step into Digital (Intermediate) - Easingwold
If you’ve already dipped your toe into the world of digital marketing and you're ready to dive deeper, Next Step into Digital is the course designed to take your skills from capable to campaign-ready.
Resources
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.
Webinar Recording: Complete Web design for small businesses and start ups
This session aims to demystify the website creation process, making design and management more accessible and affordable for small businesses. Rather than focusing solely on tools or trends, the webinar offers a strategic overview of what a successful small business website needs to do and how to achieve it without unnecessary expense or overwhelm.