New Business Fund Tackles Biggest Barrier To Growth
The Mayor of York and North Yorkshire has invited businesses to apply for a new programme to help overcome one of the biggest barriers to growth.
Mayor David Skaith on a recent visit to Techbuyer in Harrogate
Get Funded, part of the Mayor’s Business Innovation Fund and backed by £200,000 in funding, launched today and will run for the next two years until December 2027.
The programme offers small and medium businesses practical support to help them understand their funding options, strengthen financial planning and prepare competitive applications for grants, loans or investment.
It is open to businesses based in York and North Yorkshire looking to grow, whether it’s scaling capacity, expanding operations, or improving their chances of external funding.
David Skaith, Mayor of York and North Yorkshire, said:
“We're home to incredible businesses with great ideas, but they need more than that to grow, they need investment.
“So we’re backing business by giving them the tools they need, taking a big step forward in my mission to back ambition and make this region the best place to start and grow a business.
“Get Funded is about breaking down one of the biggest barriers that holds back too many of our small and medium businesses back.”
The Get Funded programme begins with a short introductory webinar and continues through a structured series of specialist workshops.
In addition, 24 businesses will be selected for in-depth one-to-one coaching to accelerate their investment readiness.
York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority appointed experienced suppliers UMi to run the programme.
Nicki Clark, Chief Executive at UMi, said:
“We are excited to be working with the York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority to bring the Get Funded Programme to the region, improving access to finance and the opportunities that presents to local businesses.
“UMi has a strong track-record of working within the funding ecosystem, and with our extensive experience in grant delivery and investor readiness, we believe this is a fantastic opportunity to help businesses overcome financial barriers and receive the specialist support they need to grow.”
Small and medium businesses across the region are encouraged to register early to secure their place.
The Business Innovation Fund is made up of five programmes, supporting Sector Activity, Spin-Out and Start-Ups, Get Exporting and Great Ideas. Get Funded is the final of the programmes to launch.
