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
So much more than desk space: how York St John Enterprise Centre helps businesses
Since its launch in 2022, the Enterprise Centre at York St John University has helped dozens of fledgling businesses with its unique package of support. It has become a hub of innovation with a collaborative environment where companies can thrive.
What action can I take against debtors who refuse to pay what they owe?
Taking a systematic approach to debt collection is always beneficial so it’s important to have fixed processes in place as failing to collect debts efficiently can lead to a multitude of problems for your business.
Work with the Growth Hub: Support for Social Enterprises
We are now procuring a series of specific business support programmes, as part of North Yorkshire Council’s SPF plans. This will include a programme of support for Social Enterprises.
Events
04th December 202410:00 am - 11:30 amFREE
Social Media Webinar Series: 4 December- Getting started on Facebook
As part of a six-part social media webinar series delivered by Caroline Wilson of Hot Toddi, this webinar look at how to best use Facebook for your business.
05th December 202410:00 am - 2:00 pmFREE
Whitby Peer-to-Peer: Your Small Business Board
Does running a business feel isolating and hard at times? Do you struggle to make decisions or overcome challenges? The Small Business Board is designed with ambitious owners in mind and who are ready to take the next step, whatever that may be.
19th December 20249:30 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 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.
Webinar Recordings: Unlocking Commercial Potential: Strategic Tools and Insights for Business Growth
Join us for an in-depth exploration into commercialisation strategies designed to drive business success. This interactive session will delve into essential topics such as market analysis, customer profiling, and strategic planning techniques. You’ll learn how to identify commercial opportunities, engage stakeholders, and create value for your customers, all while assessing the impact of these actions on your brand, both internally and externally.
Webinar Recording: Getting started on LinkedIn
As part of a six-part social media webinar series delivered by Caroline Wilson of Hot Toddi, this webinar looks at getting started on LinkedIn for your business.
