As a small local business, we love supporting others like us, so we have put together a list of current grants, funding and networking opportunities to help you grow your business. So if you are looking to expand, hone your skills, or are starting from the very beginning, take a read and start making the next steps in your journey!
Start-up support
The YNY Growth Hub offer a great Toolkit for starting your own business. This toolkit is a comprehensive guide with practical tools for new businesses, covering markets, funding, operations, and more. You can download the free Toolkit here.
Grants & Funding
Looking for a financial boost? Check out these grant opportunities in North Yorkshire. Always click the links for the latest eligibility and application details!
The York & North Yorkshire Combined Authority provides match-funded support (grants from £1,000 to £3,000, requiring a 25% match) to help businesses and social enterprises in York and North Yorkshire (under 250 employees) improve their digital capabilities. This can include developing new websites, e-commerce platforms, or specialised software. The application deadline is July 14, 2025. It's a quick turnaround, but definitely worth aiming for, and we’d be more than happy to provide quotes for your applications!
Find out more and apply
Tailored for business owners who want to strengthen their leadership skills and drive business growth. This programme covers key areas essential for your success, delivered by experts in their fields through a mix of workshops, coaching, and consultancy.
These programmes are 50% funded by the UK Government through the Shared Prosperity Fund, as allocated by the York & North Yorkshire Combined Authority. This funding makes the programme even more accessible, allowing you to gain valuable skills and insights at a reduced cost.
A £2,000 grant to small businesses in Hambleton (priority for those with under 20 employees) looking to take on a new apprentice. To be eligible, the apprentice must be aged 16-24 and live within the Hambleton area. Ready to expand your team?
Find out more and apply here!
Financial support for Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) looking to employ recent UK university graduates. If your Hambleton-based business (under 250 employees, trading for at least three months) hires a graduate for a minimum 6-month, Hambleton-based internship, you could receive up to £4,000 for wages and potentially up to £1,000 for supporting equipment.
Learn more here.
For small businesses in Richmondshire (priority for those with under 20 employees), the Richmondshire Area Apprentice Funding offers a wage subsidy to help you take on new apprentices. An additional £1,000 is available for apprentices aged 16-18, care leavers, or those with disabilities. Your business must be based in Richmondshire, and the new apprentice must live in the area too. Digital Apprentice Funding – C4DI Beta Satellite Programme
A £2,500 grant to businesses (with priority given to those under 50 employees) that hire a new digital apprentice and engage with the C4DI Beta Satellite programme. This grant is available to businesses in the Harrogate/Knaresborough, Scarborough/Whitby, or Selby/Ainsty constituencies. Applications for this fund opened on January 26, 2024.
Grants from £5,000 to £49,950 (covering up to 60% of project costs) to help businesses and farms in York and North Yorkshire that have been trading for at least two years. This funding supports efforts to decarbonise, improve energy efficiency, and develop sustainable products or services. Applications are assessed on a rolling basis, so it's a good idea to apply early, with projects needing completion by February 2026.
Funding between £3,000 and £10,000 (covering 75% of eligible costs) to support North Yorkshire businesses with a demonstrable interest in exporting. To qualify, your business needs to have been trading for at least 12 months with a physical presence in the region. This grant focuses on revenue items to boost your export efforts, with a second round of funding anticipated for November 2025.
Learn more
Local Networking Events
For many businesses, networking events are invaluable. They offer a unique chance to meet like-minded individuals, share insights, gain advice, and discover potential collaborations. These gatherings provide a supportive environment where you can learn from others' experiences, find solutions to common challenges, and build a strong local support system. Here is a list of some recurring and local events near us. Who knows, you might spot one of the Purple team members there too! 👋