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
From Lived Experience to Social Enterprise
James established PLAS as a Community Interest Company (CIC), ensuring a sustainable social enterprise model that allows him to earn a wage while delivering impact-driven services. James is now building a social enterprise that provides one-to-one support for offenders, rehabilitation interviews, and workshops for legal professionals.
XR Stories supports creative technology skills development
A new training programme from the XR Stories project at the University of York is offering people in York and North Yorkshire the opportunity to develop skills in creative technology. Over the next two years, Extending XR will provide free creative technology skills training to enable learners and tutors in the region to harness the potential of digital tools and technologies including game engines and performance capture technologies.
Business.gov.uk | National Support
We know that the national and global business environment is changing faster than ever. Which is why we understand that rapid access to the right business support and networks is vital to help you operate and grow with confidence. Every business, whether small or large should create an account.
Events
06th February 2026FREE
The Artery: Peer Support Network for Creative Industries (York)
Running a creative business can be exciting, but it can also feel overwhelming. Over six interactive and supportive sessions The Artery helps creatives refocus, get clarity, and grow their businesses with confidence.
17th February 20269:15 am - 12:15 pmFREE
The Artery: Peer Support Network for Creative Industries (Skipton)
Running a creative business can be exciting, but it can also feel overwhelming. Over six interactive and supportive sessions The Artery helps creatives refocus, get clarity, and grow their businesses with confidence.
25th February 202610:00 am - 12:00 pmFREE
Whitby Workshop Series: Digital Tools for your Manufacturing Business
This engaging workshop series delivered by Hello Technology is designed to help manufacturing businesses harness the power of digital tools to improve their digital systems, record keeping, data management and marketing. Participants will be led through 5 focussed sessions, with each workshop blending expert-led guidance with practical exercises. Attendees will have the opportunity to apply new strategies and concepts directly to their business. With a mix of group learning and tailored support participants will leave with a clear digital roadmap, increased confidence and actionable insights to drive long-term success in their manufacturing business.
Resources
Webinar Recording: PR for Small Businesses
Want to get your business featured in newspapers and magazines in 2026? In this webinar, Jo and Linda explain why you should be prioritising PR – including reaching a new audience (outside your social media bubble), building trust and credibility, and boosting your sales and SEO.
Webinar Recording: Automation & Efficiency Series
This webinar series provides a straightforward starting point to streamline and reduce day-to-day tasks, through automation and efficiency, across all areas of your business.
Webinar Recording: 🟣 Mastering data protection and compliance
In this engaging and practical webinar series, Privacy Protect Group Ltd will guide you through everything you need to know to build a confident, compliant, and resilient approach to data protection in your business. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to refine your practices, each session is designed to build your understanding step-by-step.