Local start-ups set for bright future
Fourteen local businesses seem set for a great future. All fourteen have recently completed StriveLive, a two-month start-up incubator, with five businesses picking up awards and £2,500 in grant funding. The project was open to residents of Harrogate Borough Council and City of York Council areas, or those setting up business there.

“I’m really thrilled to win the Strive Best Brand Award. The recognition and confidence the award brings along with everything I’ve learnt on the Strive project, makes me far better equipped to really grow the business.” – Russell Gordon, founder of InSync Cycling Coach
“Strive is an amazing place to learn absolutely everything you need to know about business. But most importantly Paul, Richard and Laura work very hard and they are always available for any questions or concerns we had. We really enjoyed it and we have learned a lot from the project.” – Daniela Genova, founder of Café Lago di Como, pictured with partner Nertil Xhallo
“I encourage anyone who is nurturing their small business idea to sign up for Strive. The project will benefit everyone on their business journey. Engaging sessions delivered in a friendly and encouraging environment. Plus, you get to meet likeminded people, which is fabulous.” – Andrea Clarke, founder of Hand Sown Flowers


Three business experts were invited to judge Branding, Marketing, Concept and Strategy categories in which each winner scooped a £500 business grant. It was no easy task, judges saw an incredible range of businesses and talented local entrepreneurs. When the judging concluded a cycling coach, Russell Gordon, Harrogate café, Lago di Como, massage therapist, Abigail Homer, first aid trainer Yvonne Lewis, and Andrea Clarke who cultivates hand-sown flowers had come out on top.
The Strive project was funded by Harrogate Borough Council and City of York Council, and commissioned by the York & North Yorkshire Growth Hub as part of a series of business support programmes and events. To find more upcoming events and workshops, please visit our events page.
Award Winners
- Yvonne Lewis won Best Business Concept for Wise First Aid Training which offers a range of first aid training, including courses for parents and toddlers.
- Daniela Genova and Nertil Xhallo won Best Marketing for Café Lago di Como, a café in the centre of Harrogate offering award winning Italian cuisine.
- Russell Gordon won Best Brand for Insync Cycling Coach which offers coaching, bike fitting and is supporting the Northeast Cyclocross Championships.
- Abigail Homer won a Strive Start-Up award for The Therapy Room Thirsk which offers a range of massages.
- Andrea Clarke won Best Strategy for Hand-Sown Flowers which cultivates flowers locally for weddings and florists.
To find out more about business support, you can contact the Growth Hub directly either online or by calling Faye on our helpdesk for free on 0800 246 5045.
Talking Net Zero: Why does the accuracy of words matter to your business?
Do you understand the key climate change terms every business should know? Get to grips with net zero terminology and learn how you can use it to your advantage with our free resources.
Connecting businesses to support in Harrogate
Businesses in Harrogate have welcomed free drop-in days which are connecting them to support and friendly, local business advice specialists.
Successful female entrepreneurs prepare to pitch on International Women's Day
Six entrepreneurs, two angel investors, two chances to win up to £1000. That's the equation facing our successfully selected female founders on Wednesday 8th March at York Marriot Hotel.
Angel investment for female founders on International Women’s Day
Female owners of start-ups in York and North Yorkshire will pitch to ‘angel’ investors for funding to develop their business.
'Spring into Growth' with free support and training from Aspire2Lead
Aspire2Lead is empowering both individuals and businesses with their free support and training offer, helping you grow, upskill, retain high-quality talent and promote equality in the workplace.
Help is one call away: how the Growth Hub helpdesk can support you
Are you thinking about starting, growing, or scaling your business? Hear about how the Growth Hub helpdesk can help you by providing the latest business support, tailored to your needs.
New support for York and North Yorkshire businesses as leading regional media figure joins the Growth Hub
Mike Pennington, a familiar name in the UK media industry, has recently joined the York & North Yorkshire Growth Hub as a Business Relationship Manager. In 2023, he'll be bringing his expertise to businesses in our region and connecting them with the Made Smarter scheme.
York, North Yorkshire and East Riding employers urged not to miss out on free skills training
Employers across York, North Yorkshire and East Riding are being reminded that it’s their last chance to take advantage of free training and support through the Skills Support for the Workforce Programme before the it ends in March 2023.
Skills for Life Apprenticeship Fair coming to York Racecourse
As part of National Apprenticeship Week 2023 (Monday 6th to Friday 12th February), The Apprenticeship Hub are bringing employers and future apprentices together for an opportunity to connect on Wednesday 8th February.
What is needed to make the North of England the best place to start and grow a business?
The Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) is undertaking research to feed into an upcoming report on what is needed to make the North of England the best place in the UK and beyond to start and grow a business.
668,000 people in Yorkshire and The Humber filed their tax returns on time
HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) is reminding customers in Yorkshire and The Humber to get ready to meet the Self Assessment deadline and offering guidance to support businesses with their taxes.
Local start-ups set for bright future
Fourteen local businesses seem set for a great future. All fourteen have recently completed StriveLive, a two-month start-up incubator, with five businesses picking up awards and £2,500 in grant funding.