Running a business in York & North Yorkshire
Started a business in York & North Yorkshire? The right support can make all the difference.
Taking the first steps in business isn’t always straightforward, you’re juggling the many demands of improving operations, strengthening performance, and developing new products to support sustainable growth. Starting as you mean to go on will make all the difference to your long term success. Taking time now to review your medium to long-term goals can help you focus on what matters, and set a clear direction for what’s next.
Understanding where you are in your business journey will help you access the right support at the right time.
Starting a Business (Pre-Start)
At the pre-start stage, you’re developing an idea and preparing to launch, but are not yet trading. The focus is on conducting detailed market research and building a foundations for your business, including creating a business plan and developing cashflow forecasts. Visit our dedicated pre-start page.
Running a Business (Start-Up)
At the start-up stage, your business is trading and generating income. The focus is now on growing your customer base, establishing operations and strengthening performance. You’re likely looking to develop new products and services, with a focus on sales and growth. This page is for those running a business.
Running a Business (Start-Up)
If you’re running a business, building a strong foundation will set you up for success. The following resources are designed to help you grow in confidence and develop the skills you need as you get your venture off the ground. You’ll find practical guidance on the essentials, including building your online presence, understanding intellectual property, strengthening resilience, and laying the groundwork for long-term success.
Explore relevant webinars and free resources to help you navigate key topics and stay on track.
Strive Live Start-Up Incubator
Acclaimed programme designed exclusively for grassroots entrepreneurs like you. Express your interest to be notified of the next cohort.
Discover Strive Live.
Business Basics
Build a strong foundation with our instant access webinar series, covering everything from tax and compliance to resilience and long-term success.
Watch the Business Basics Series.
Complete Web Design
This webinar covers the website creation process, making design and management more accessible and affordable for start-up businesses.
Watch Web design for start ups.
Google Business Tools
This series explores the free tools available from Google to help small businesses increase their online presence.
Explore Google Business Tools.
Intellectual Property
Why does Intellectual Property matter to your business? This webinar covers how to use IP to gain an edge, attract investors, and drive growth.
Discover Intellectual Property.
Business Resilience
As a business owner, it’s essential to understand the potential risks your business may face and where to find support when needed.
Explore Business Resilience.
Explore additional resources to support you
- Business Plan: Writing a business plan helps you think through what you want to achieve and how you will get there.
- Cashflow Forecast: Estimating your revenue and expenses helps you set clear goals and make informed decisions.
- Data Protection: A practical webinar series to help you build a confident, compliant approach to data protection.
- Access to finance: Find out where you can get funding for your business.
- NatWest Accelerator: A thriving community for entrepreneurs providing a range of support for you to grow your business.
Started running a business? Karen is here to help.
Already running your business and thinking about what comes next? Need some support to focus on what really matters?
Karen Booth, start-up and female entrepreneur specialist, is here to guide you with a wide range of resources and practical support, helping you move forward with confidence at every stage. Support is fully funded and personalised to you.
Some of the support available includes:
- Impartial guidance and advice providing bespoke support.
- A friendly sounding board to discuss your ideas and ambitions.
- Connections to a wide range of business support programmes.
- Assistance with action planning and strategy for growth.
- Access to a wide range of resources, webinars and events.
- Help you to identify business challenges and opportunities
Delivered through:
- 1:1 support: (online or over the phone)
Explore our start-up success stories
Building a Bold Brand with Purpose
Luke is the founder of Deaf Identity, an e-commerce business dedicated to raising deaf awareness through fashion and accessories. His brand serves as both a creative outlet and a platform to promote visibility and representation.
Value in a Focused Business Vision
While the business grew steadily, Joanne faced challenges with brand clarity, strategic focus and the isolation of running a business by herself. Joanne reached for support and was introduced to Karen, the Growth Hub Start-up Specialist.
Articles
Largest crackdown on late payments in over 25 years as landmark Bill enters Parliament
Small businesses will no longer be left chasing money they are already owed, as ministers today [Tuesday 19 May] introduce landmark legislation to end the scourge of late payments and back millions of sole traders, freelancers, and family firms across the country.
Funding reaches £900K in bid to boost exports
The Mayor of York and North Yorkshire has unlocked a new wave of export funding for businesses, taking the total support up to £900,000. The third round of the Get Exporting programme is available for applications today (Monday, May 11) with £265,000 in grants for businesses to tap into.
🚗 The Growth Hub is hitting the road!
After the success of last year's roadshows, the Growth Hub is hitting the road again, traveling the region to bring the best of local business support to a town near you. Partnering with NatWest Accelerator, and joined by Business Support Advisors from North Yorkshire Council and City of York Council, the Growth Hub Roadshow is set to showcase what business support really looks like.
Resources
Webinar Series: Data Protection
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.
Farm Business Support Programme: Webinar Recordings
This programme is a designed to help farm businesses understand where they are now, where they want to be next, and how to make confident decisions in a fast-changing industry. The focus is simple: real world, farm focused business skills that can be applied straight back at home.
Webinar Series Recording: Step into Meta for Business
Unlock the power of WhatsApp, Facebook and Instagram with three action packed workshops. Come to all three to find out where to start and how to boost your organic, paid and sales growth on these enormous platforms, or pick and choose topics to suit your business. We’ve gathered a team of highly experienced and qualified Meta experts to help you get the most out of using Meta for your Business.