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
Navigating the Latest Budget: A Survival Guide for Small to Medium Businesses
The Budget announced on October 30th will bring substantial changes for many organisations, resulting in increased costs. So, how can we navigate these changes and still maintain profitable businesses?
The Growth Hub is coming to town!
You better watch out for the Growth Hub team - coming to a town near you. We're on the road in 2025 with live business clinics, supporting real businesses with real business challenges from all other the region.
Growth Hub launches programme of support for North Yorkshire Social Enterprises
York and North Yorkshire Growth Hub are proud to launch a programme of support for Social Enterprises in North Yorkshire. Working with delivery partners Community First Yorkshire and Social Vision, January will see the start of a programme designed to help North Yorkshire’s social enterprises to start, grow and prosper.
Events
07th January 202510:00 am - 11:30 amFREE
Webinar: Navigating the Latest Budget: A Survival Guide for Small Businesses
The Budget announced on October 30th will bring substantial changes for many organisations, resulting in increased costs. So, how can we navigate our way through these changes and still have profitable businesses.
07th January 20259:30 am - 12:00 pmFREE
Unlock Business Benefits through Sustainability
Looking to enhance sustainability and reduce costs in your business? Join our Business Sustainability Peer Networks and connect with fellow local business leaders to drive real change.
08th January 20257:00 pm - 9:00 pmFREE
Strive Live Start-up Incubator
Looking for start up support in York & North Yorkshire? Join this award-winning programme designed to help entrepreneurs.
Resources
Webinar: Inclusion Training for Hospitality and Retail Businesses
Join us for an essential webinar to boost your business by embracing inclusivity. This session will cover key areas like disability awareness, inclusive communication, the impact of the Equality Act, and the potential of the “Purple Pound”—a market worth billions in untapped spending power. This session, delivered by Rachel Barber of Living 4 Moments, serves as an introduction to inclusivity topics and how they can be applied to customer-facing businesses – supporting your customers, staff, and bottom line.
Webinar Recording: Getting started on Facebook
As part of a six-part social media webinar series delivered by Caroline Wilson of Hot Toddi, this webinar looks at getting started on Facebook for your business.
Webinar Recording: Getting started on Instagram
As part of a six-part social media webinar series delivered by Caroline Wilson of Hot Toddi, this webinar looks at getting started on Instagram for your business.
