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
Rachel Derry's Journey to management with the Seventh Wave Programme
OT4me founders, Louise Newton and Lizzie Huxford, made the decision to step back from daily management to focus on expanding their business. During an annual appraisal, Rachel Derry was identified as a strong candidate for the clinical lead role. This created a promising opportunity for development, supported by the York and North Yorkshire Growth Hub.
Strive Live Start-Up Incubator: September 2025 (Register your interest)
Following ongoing high demand and supporting hundreds of entrepreneurs, the Growth Hub is planning to once again partner up with Enterprise Cube to deliver a cohort of the Strive Live Start-Up Incubator, tentatively scheduled for September 2025. Find out more about more about the programme below, and register your interest to secure the first places when dates are confirmed.
YNY Equity Hub: Are you investor ready?
Soon we'll be launching the YNY Equity Hub - take a look at the available resources to ensure you're investor ready. The platform will offer a user-friendly portal where businesses can effectively present their investment opportunities and highlight their growth potential to investors nationwide.
Events
10th June 20257:00 pm - 9:00 pmFREE
June 2025: Strive Live Start-Up Incubator (BSL Interpreted)
If you are currently running or looking to launch a start-up based in York & North Yorkshire, join this award-winning incubator designed to help grassroots entrepreneurs launch their business. Strive Live blends weekly live online training with regular one-to-one advice and on-demand online learning to make it simple and exciting to start a business. Plus, you could win up to £2,500 in micro grants at the end of the programme. This cohort will have British Sign Language (BSL) interpreters present throughout each session.
11th June 202510:00 am - 1:00 pmFREE
Harrogate Business Support Drop-In Morning
This Harrogate business support drop-in service can help answer your questions and direct you to relevant resources and programmes.
12th June 202510:00 am - 1:00 pmFREE
Northallerton Business Support Drop-In Morning
Our friendly and knowledgeable local team understand the challenges and questions that arise when starting or growing a business and our goal is to assist you by discussing your business plans and connecting you with relevant resources.
Resources
Featured Webinar Playlist: Wellbeing
Learn how to build resilience and communication, create a positive work environment, and support the mental health of both your team and yourself with our free wellbeing webinars playlist.
Webinar Recording: Why does Intellectual Property matter to your business?
This webinar will equip you with the knowledge to leverage IP for competitive advantage, investor attraction, and long-term business growth, ultimately showing you how a strategic approach to IP can be the difference between success and missed opportunities.
Featured Webinar Playlist: Getting Started with Social Media
Don't know where to start with social media? Feeling like you might be missing something? Get instant access to the six-part webinar series delivered by Caroline Wilson of Hot Toddi.