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.
Supporting Start-ups in York and North Yorkshire
Starting a business is exciting, but many first-time business owners are unsure where to begin and how to move forward. The York & North Yorkshire Growth Hub addresses this by providing accessible, fully funded support tailored to those at the earliest stages of their journey and beyond.
Webinar Recordings : Making the leap: are you ready to start a business?
If you think you're ready to start a business, check out this exciting webinar where we'll find out what it’s really like to take the leap. Hosted by the team who bring you the Strive Live Start-Up Incubator.