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
Making Values Pay: Webinar Series
Join us for our latest online workshop series Making Values Pay to see how embracing purpose-driven practices can help your business thrive. Explore how embedding good business practices can help you win work, tell your story, and build an engaged workforce.
YorkshireX: AI Adoption Programme
Research from the British Chamber of Commerce tells us that although over 40% of companies believe AI will increase their productivity, only 25% are actively using it. This AI Adoption programme is here to help fill the gap.
Swinton Estate Partners with York and North Yorkshire Growth Hub to Launch Environmental Action Programme 2025
Business owners throughout North Yorkshire will be supported in improving their green credentials thanks to a new partnership between Swinton Estate and the York and North Yorkshire Growth Hub, part of the York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority.
Events
18th February 20252:00 pm - 3:30 pmFREE
Social Enterprise Workshop – Business Canvas
Join us at the amazing Rural Arts centre in Thirsk to find out more about how a business canvas can be a key element of successful business planning for social entrepreneurs.
19th February 202510:00 am - 11:30 amFREE
Pickering: 7Ps of Sustainability in Marketing
Masterclass: Explore the 7 Ps of marketing with a sustainability filter for your small business.
20th February 20259:30 am - 11:00 amFREE
North Yorkshire Council: Connect Over A Cuppa
‘Connect Over A Cuppa’ Harrogate drop-in sessions help businesses to share new ideas, solve problems, and connect with like-minded businesses.
Resources
Webinar: Owning a Business: an introduction to what you need to know
Owning a business comes with much responsibility and red tape. This workshop offers an insight into what these are and how you can best deal with them to avoid getting into trouble. This workshop is mostly aimed at the owners of Limited Companies, but much of the content is also relevant to other business formats too.
Webinar Recording: Getting started on TikTok
As part of a six-part social media webinar series delivered by Caroline Wilson of Hot Toddi, this webinar looks at getting started on TikTok for your business.
Webinar Recording: Bookkeeping for Business Owners
Are you looking to learn the basics of bookkeeping for your business? Discover how bookkeeping has evolved, the benefits of cloud-based tools, and the essentials of VAT. Learn key processes to get it right the first time and streamline your finances.