Local Business programmes
Every business is important to us, from the large, familiar high street names to self-employed individuals and micro businesses.
We're offering a series of programmes aimed at developing, supporting and growing local business through training, skills development, masterclasses, innovation, expert guidance and advice.
Any York based business can apply - whether you're already up and running, or just have a business idea - and all programmes are free.
Use the contact details provided, or get in touch with the council’s own Business Growth Managers on email: economicgrowth@york.gov.uk.
- Social Enterprise
- Start Up Support and Business Growth
- Decarbonisation and Sustainability
- Innovation and Market Expansion
- Business Growth and Sector Support
Social Enterprise
IGNITE Social Enterprise by Quantum Vantage.
Until March 2025, York-based Quantum Vantage is running INGITE Social Enterprise, an intensive social enterprise programme covering topics such as strategic planning and effective leadership, sustainable growth and impact measurement.
- benefit from 6 intensive weekly sessions
- engage in one-on-one personalised coaching sessions to tailor the programme to your unique challenges and goals
- receive complimentary membership to a Social Enterprise Mastery Group, where you'll access monthly live coaching sessions and topic-related masterclasses
- develop the tools to implement an organisation-wide sustainability plan, identify areas of impact, advocate for sustainable practices, educate your team, and monitor your progress
- join a network of like-minded social entrepreneurs who share your vision
For more information contact Quantum Vantage on email: hello@quantumvantage.co.uk, or call them on telephone: 07526 499373 and chat to Toni.
Start Up Support and Business Growth
Start & Grow York from Momentic Limited.
Momentic is an enterprise development organisation dedicated to delivering self-employment support, business advice, coaching and growth solutions for the last 25 years.
The Start & Grow York programme offers mentoring and support for your business, whether it’s the seed of an idea, a young company, or a fully fledged business.
From self-employment readiness assessments and initial diagnostics, to support with marketing, business planning, tax and finance matters, social media and web design, masterclasses, tailored one-to-one support, engagement sessions and ongoing support once trading, they are ready to help you.
For more information contact Momentic on email: york@momentic.co.uk.
Decarbonisation and Sustainability
Green Economy from The Growth Company: Business decarbonisation and greening programmes.
This project will enable local businesses to decarbonise through carbon reduction planning, specialist support and access to green technologies and sensors which will provide live data on energy consumption.
The unique programme will provide clients with an onsite carbon reduction review and personalised decarbonisation plan, with dedicated support from a sustainability business advisor.
In addition, a selection of businesses will join a pilot energy monitoring programme, where sensors will be installed onsite to monitor electricity use over a 3-month period. The sensors will be provided by Oak Network, along with access to a digital tool which measures energy consumption to provide live visual data with operational improvement recommendations to businesses.
If you're interested in developing a Carbon Reduction Plan, remote energy monitoring, or in accessing ‘Cut Carbon, Cut Costs’ training, contact The Growth Company on email: enquiries@greeneconomy.co.uk, or email: economicgrowth@york.gov.uk for a referral.
Innovation and Market Expansion
Innovate York from the University of York.
Between December 2023 and January 2025 Innovate York, a new programme for product and process opportunities, will offer a series of workshops, women’s peer-to-peer networking and specialist events to businesses and entrepreneurs throughout the city.
Topics will cover how to:
- gain competitive advantage: Stand out, attract and retain customers, and charge premium prices through innovation
- expand market reach: Enter new markets or grow your current market share for increased revenue and growth opportunities
- adapt to changing trends: Stay agile by responding to evolving consumer preferences, market trends, and technological advancements
The programme launch and first innovation masterclass will take place on Thursday 14 December.
Book your place online:
For more information about the programmes on offer, visit the Innovate York website, contact them on email: enterprise-works@york.ac.uk, or telephone: 01904 321420.
Business Growth and Sector Support
York Sector Growth Programme (YSGP) from City of York Council.
The York Sector Growth Programme is a comprehensive business support programme designed to support the growth of businesses operating in the priority sectors identified in the City of York Council York Economic Strategy - 2022 to 2032.
The council’s priority sectors are:
- Bioeconomy and Life Sciences
- Retail
- Tourism and hospitality
- Rail
- Technology and Creative including media arts
- Professional services
This programme of support will foster growth, enhance resilience and encourage job creation for local residents, contributing to an increase in productivity in the York economy.
The programme will also act as the ‘front door’ for the council’s wider business support programmes, as well as other programmes of support from regional and national partners.
To start your business growth conversation, email one of our Business Growth Managers:
Or contact us on email: economicgrowth@york.gov.uk.
