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
Digital Transformation Days Set to Empower Yorkshire Coast Businesses
Business owners and marketing managers in the Yorkshire Coast region are gearing up to take their digital offer to the next level as the York & North Yorkshire Growth Hub prepares to host two Digital Transformation Days, in collaboration with Google Digital Garage.
Leadership Coaching: Becoming The Leader You Want To Be
In this article, Halina will explore the challenges facing leaders and how leadership coaching can help.
Bright Future for Harrogate Brewing Company with Growth Hub Support
Harrogate Brewing Company, a family-owned business with a decade-long legacy, is celebrating a ‘six-fold increase’ in turnover with comprehensive support provided by the York & North Yorkshire Growth Hub.
Events
03rd October 202310:30 am - 1:30 pmFREE
Oct/Nov: Harrogate & Ripon Peer-to-Peer programme (Fully subscribed)
Would you like to opportunity to discuss your business’s challenges and successes with a group of other business people from your local area?Are you interested in being part of a dynamic and collaborative business network that is determined to pursue success, growth and innovation, even when times are tough?
03rd October 20239:00 am - 11:00 amFREE
3 Oct - York Green Business Forum: Energy
If you want to futureproof your business, increase profits, and become more sustainable, come along to the first York Green Business Forum event.
03rd October 202311:00 am - 12:00 pmFREE
3 Oct: Get Started with Digital Advertising with Google Digital Garage
Join us for this free webinar with Google Digital Garage on 3rd October at 11am to learn about search, social and display advertising, and the different ways these channels can support your digital marketing strategy.
Resources
Fire up your Food and Drink business with Make it! toolkits
A free video toolkit to help growing food and drink businesses in York and North Yorkshire. Essential ingredients for food and drink business success.
Screen Tourism Toolkit
A free screen tourism toolkit exploring the opportunities, showing best practice and connecting business with resources and support.
Glossary of Climate Change Terms for Businesses
A free digital glossary defining the key climate change terms relevant to businesses, to help you understand and engage with sustainability resources and support.