NYC : Business Events & Funding Around North Yorkshire
From the offices of Harrogate to the rolling hills of the Dales, North Yorkshire is buzzing with entrepreneurial energy. Local firms are forging meaningful partnerships, charities are gaining fresh momentum, and community events are drawing crowds and collaboration.
Ingleton & Grassington Businesses – A Great Opportunity!
I’m delighted to say that we have funding to provide the valuable Peer-to-Peer Programme run by Next Step in each area. We are looking for 6 businesses in Ingleton and 6 businesses in Grassington that would like to take part in this transformative programme.
Each group meets regularly for a combination of bespoke workshops, scrutiny of the participants’ own business practices, drafting of progression plans and focussed brainstorming. This is an exciting opportunity for individuals to share their own business experience with others in their unique geographical area. Previous cohorts have had enormously positive feedback and the group participants continue to support each other long after the programme ends. There has also been an incredibly positive growth in collaboration and co-operation between local businesses.
We recognise that time is precious for many small businesses, but all participants have reported back that the time given is a valuable investment. One commented, “I didn’t think I could afford the time away to work on the business. Now I realise I couldn’t afford not to.” The time commitment is:
One hour of 1:1 pre-course discussion to assess your needs and areas of expertise.
One morning a week for 6 consecutive weeks
One meeting of 2 hours after the end of the course. This is 1:1 bespoke support to allow for further networking, signposting to funds or other support and to ensure the next steps for your business are clear and achievable.
This is a fantastic opportunity to share ideas, gain insight and access support from fellow businesses who understand the local area and the issues we all face here in North Yorkshire. If you’d like more details, let me know.
Do Visitors Use your Business? Claim your Free Listing on the Country’s Biggest Destination Management Website
Visit North Yorkshire is the council’s visitor platform and has attracted 1.5million views in its first year! If your business is of interest to visitors, then you get a free ‘bronze’ listing. Get your listing now by completing this form.
Would you Like Free Promotion of your Event? Claim your Free Listing on the Country’s Biggest Destination Management Website
Are you holding a festive event, a one-off event, an annual event, special late-night openings, tastings, tours etc. … events that visitors would be interested in? Promote them for free on Visit North Yorkshire’s website. Events must be uploaded at least 7 days in advance. Take care when uploading your photo – the best photos are landscape orientation with the image in the middle – this appears well on mobiles, tablets and computers. As a bonus, you can upload a link to your website which will have a beneficial impact on your SEO. AI is apparently increasingly using this site to gather information for North Yorkshire visitors. To add an event, go to this page and click to submit a new event (create account first).
Does your Business have a Meeting or Event Space for Hire, Private Celebration or Conference Facilities? Grab your Free Listing on Meet North Yorkshire
Your entitled to a free listing on the Meet North Yorkshire website. To find out more details email meet@visitnorthyorkshire.com.
Digital Support Grant – Phase 3 of Steps into Digital Voucher, Opens Monday 12th January
The final round is opening early in the New Year. The vouches enables your business to access up to £1000 of free tech support from a list of options. It’s a very limited pot of funding, so if your business would benefit from this, I’d strongly suggest setting your reminder to fill out the application from 9am on 12th January 2026! The page to apply won’t be available until that day. It’s relatively simple to apply.
Men’s Mental Health Investment Fund Open to Applications
Businesses with under 250 staff can apply for a share of the new £715,000 fund, supporting projects across York and North Yorkshire designed to help increase and support mental health activities in the community, workplace, and service settings for men and masculine-identifying people. Grants from £3,000-£30,000 are available, with grants up to £10,000 requiring no contribution from the business. More details and application form here. Applications close 2nd January.
Free Business Energy Audits Available Now
If you are interested in a fully funded in-depth energy audit of your business to see how you can save money on energy and waste and improve sustainability? Let me know and I will refer you to the team. There is a limited number of audits available and they must be completed by the end of March 2026. Audits will be done by Professional Energy People. There are rumours that more funding may be coming for sustainability measures and if that materialises, having a recent energy audit may be important.
Could you Inspire the Next Generation of Creatives?
There are many ways you can help inspire young people, from giving a virtual talk to advising schools on how to engage with industry. Please see options here.
Support for Creative & Cultural Businesses
The Digital Culture Network provides practical, on-the-ground help to the creative and culture sector. Our focus is around digital skills, data literacy and leadership development. They have a team of tech champions providing practical 1:1 support on many issues, such as how to improve your website and marketing, also a Knowledge Hub with 230 resources (articles, webinars, case studies). See more here
Would your Business Benefit from a Funded PhD Researcher for 3 Months?
University of York are working with the White Rose Doctoral Training Partnership, which is an opportunity for employers to work with a postgraduate researcher for 3 months on a discrete project or research question. This is open to organisations of any size and sector, and is managed externally through the White Rose team. These 'studentships' are funded so there is little to no cost to the employer (although there is an expectation that you would cover any reasonable expenses). If you would like more information, I can make an introduction. More details here
New National Business Support Website
The government is building a new website aiming to centralise information about available business support, advice and guidance. It contains local information and useful contacts in your area, details of trade associations for your sector etc. www.business.gov.uk
Thinking of Starting an Online Shop?
The FSB has produced a number of articles covering many aspects of running an online shop, which you can access here.
Last Chance to Apply for the Vibrant & Sustainable High Streets Fund!
This is open to provide funding for new initiatives and improvements anywhere where businesses trade with the public – in villages, towns, high streets and back streets. The fund will support ‘Local Partnerships’. Individual businesses and/or community organisations are encouraged to come together as a collective to form a ‘local partnership’ with a shared goal that represents the interests of the High Street. Local partnerships may be a formally constituted organisation or an informal partnership. Here you will find a list of projects which were successful in phase 2. If you’re considering an application, please let me know and I will make sure you get support. Watch this webinar: A Grassroots Approach to Thriving Towns. Applications close 30th January.
Export Grants up to £10,000 Open to Applications!
Another round of the Business Innovation Fund ‘Get Exporting’ grant is now open and will close on 2nd January. As before, the 75% grant will fund up to £10,000 of costs to get you started in exporting or help you to reach new markets. It will fund activity from April 2026. If you have already applied for a previous grant under this fund, you must be able to evidence the outputs you targeted before applying again, any questions then let me know. This will fund costs such as exhibiting overseas (or attending exhibitions), marketing overseas, market research or consultancy costs, converting websites & marketing into multiple languages etc. More details within the programme prospectus from page 16 here.
Do You Operate from Premises That Need Energy Upgrades?
See the region’s draft retrofit strategy –this will impact on every domestic and commercial building in the region.
Have you Considered Selling your Product on a Market Stall?
Ripon and Knaresborough markets offer discounted rates for new starters during their first 4 weeks of trading. Find more details here.
Secure your Stand at the Craven Business Expo on 17th June 10am-2pm, The Coniston Hotel, Coniston Cold, Skipton
Get ready for the Craven Business Expo, where local Entrepreneurs, Professionals & Businesses come together for Networking & Exhibits. Whether you’re a seasoned business owner or just starting out, this expo offers a unique opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals and discover new opportunities. Should you be interested in exhibiting please contact lizbrewster@cravenconsultancyservices.co.uk - we operate a one per sector system so do not delay and get your sector blocked out.
Could Your Local Town be the UK’s Town of Culture in 2028?
The UK’s Town of Culture competition will be targeted at small and medium sized towns, enabling them to tell their unique story and shining a spotlight on the important role that towns play in our national life. It has been confirmed today that the winning town will be awarded £3.5 million to help them deliver a cultural programme during the summer of 2028, harnessing what makes their town special. Shortlisted towns will receive £60,000 to help deliver their full bids for the competition. Details here
The National Cyber Security Centre Launches the Cyber Action Toolkit
The Cyber Action Toolkit is a free, personalised cyber security tool from the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC). It's designed for sole traders and small organisations. More details here
Win a £5000 Sustainability Prize for your Business
Applications are now open for the Green Growth Awards and the Green Growth 100, tun by Small Business Britain in partnership with BT. The Green Growth 100 will champion 100 forward-thinking small businesses who are successfully using sustainability to grow, inspiring more small businesses to take action on sustainability while driving profitability. From the top 100 businesses, two will receive a Green Growth Award - £5,000 grant each to help scale their sustainability ambitions, with additional runner-up prizes also awarded. Closes 9th January, more details here
Applications Open for the Green Growth Awards – Closes 9th January
A celebration of 100 inspiring UK small businesses that are successfully using sustainability to drive business growth. From cutting waste and saving energy, to rethinking supply chains and attracting new customers, these businesses are showing that sustainability isn’t just good for the planet, it’s good for business too! More details here
New York & North Yorkshire Bioeconomy Cluster – Do you Want to Join?
York & North Yorkshire Bioeconomy Cluster is part of the BioYorkshire initiative. This cluster brings together companies working in agriculture, food production, waste management, chemicals, energy, and advanced manufacturing to drive innovation and create sustainable growth. BioYorkshire is lead by University of York, and there are already about 30 businesses involved, but they are looking to recruit more and make this a truly regional offer, with this new cluster launch. It’s a network designed to help businesses:
• Collaborate on projects that turn waste into value and develop bio-based products.
• Access funding and expert support to scale new ideas.
• Connect with like-minded innovators and research partners.
• Be part of a region leading the UK’s green transition and circular economy.
If you’d like more information, let me know.
Food, Drink and Agritech Businesses – there’s Dedicated Overseas Support to Help you Export
16 Food, Drink and Agritech overseas attachés, working from Embassies across the world, came together in York recently to talk about their markets and understand from businesses present some of the barriers to exporting. They’ve provided information on what each country is looking for in particular and they are a source of market intelligence and support. If you are interested in more information on this or perhaps connecting with them, let me know.
Mental Health Services Around the Skipton Area
At Bradford District and Craven Mind, our vision is that no one in Bradford District and Craven has to face a mental health issue alone. As a local charity with over 30 years of experience, Bradford District and Craven Mind is proud to offer free, person-centred mental health support to individuals of all ages across our communities. While we’re affiliated with national Mind, we are an independent charity that relies on our own resources to provide tailored support locally—whether by phone, online, or face-to-face—every day of the year: Adult services | Bradford District and Craven Mind
Through our Workplace Wellbeing Movement, we also support organisations to create mentally healthy environments. By becoming a member, businesses not only align their practices with a leading brand in mental health, they also gain access to discounted training, expert monthly resources, and quarterly member training sessions packed with practical skills to support wellbeing, plus much more. It’s all part of our mission to equip workplaces with the tools they need to build a positive culture and support their teams at every step of their mental health journey. Learn more here: Workplace Wellbeing Movement Programme Get in touch: https://www.mindinbradford.org.uk or 01274 730815
Mental Health Services Around the Ripon Area
Mind in Harrogate District is a local independent mental health charity, covering Ripon and surrounding areas. Our Ripon Wellbeing Support service runs on Fridays at Ripon Library, offering free, confidential mental health and wellbeing support. Find out more here: Ripon Rural Wellbeing Support - Harrogate Mind
Alongside our community services, we also work with employers through our Workplace Wellbeing offer—helping to create healthier, more supportive working environments. From accredited training such as Mental Health First Aid, to bespoke wellbeing audits, consultancy, and employee counselling, we equip organisations with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to support staff wellbeing and build positive workplace cultures. Learn more here: Workplace Wellbeing - Harrogate Mind. By working with us, businesses not only demonstrate a genuine commitment to mental health, but also gain practical tools and expert guidance to support their teams at every stage of their mental health journey. Get in touch: mindinharrogate.org.uk or 01423 503335
Made In Yorkshire Awards Open to Applications
For 14 years, the Made in Yorkshire Awards has shone a spotlight on the region’s world-class manufacturers and their reputation for quality and excellence. This year marks an exciting new chapter for the flagship event. Reflecting the ever-evolving manufacturing landscape, Made in Yorkshire has been reimagined with a host of new categories to recognise the full spectrum of makers who drive the region’s economy forward - from traditional engineering pioneers to digital innovators, supply chain disruptors and promising newcomers. Details and entry here
TRAINING (mostly free)
Growth Hub training options (free to attend, mix of online and in person) – see all here
Autumn Budget 2025, how will it impact your business?
Level 3 Leadership & Management Skills Bootcamp: York
Immediate Impact Digital Bootcamp: York
Level 3 Leadership and Management Skills Bootcamp: Harrogate
Immediate Impact Digital Bootcamp: Malton
Mastering Data Protection and Compliance, online
Tourism Business Booster: Create your Winning Marketing Plan for 2026: Skipton
Digital Tools for your Manufacturing Business, Whitby
Online Workshops: Digital Marketing Success Series (Beginner)
Digital Advertising for Intermediates: Day 2, Harrogate
Tourism Business Booster: Create your Winning Marketing Plan for 2026, Scarborough
Task & Project Management Tools: Automation & Efficiency Webinar Series, online
Tourism Business Booster: Create your Winning Marketing Plan for 2026, Northallerton
Webinar: PR for Small Businesses, online
Digital Marketing Foundations, York
Tourism Business Booster: Create your Winning Marketing Plan for 2026: York
Business Automation for Intermediate Users: Day 2, online
How to use Artificial Intelligence in Marketing & Canva, Selby
Business Productivity Suites: Automation & Efficiency Webinar Series, online
How to Create a Digital Marketing Plan That Drives Sales, York
Smartphone Video Masterclass: Scarborough
Tourism Business Booster: Create your winning Marketing Plan for 2026: Harrogate
From Idea to Visibility: A 90-Day Roadmap for Start-ups, online
Data & Analytics for Intermediate Users: Day 2, Harrogate
Tourism Business Booster: Create your Winning Marketing Plan for 2026: York
Instagram for Business, A Beginner’s Guide: Malton
Finance & Accounting Tools: Automation & Efficiency Webinar Series, online
Smartphone Video Masterclass: Ingleton
Start-up business training for therapists in the holistic, beauty, hair and health fields: Northallerton
SEO and website auditing fundamentals: Scarborough
The Artery: Peer Support Network for Creative Industries, York
CRM Tools for SMEs: Automation & Efficiency Webinar Series, online
Smartphone Video Masterclass: Stokesley
Building your online reputation: Scarborough
No-Code Automation: Automation & Efficiency Webinar Series, online
The Artery: Peer Support Network for Creative Industries, Skipton
AI Tools for Smarter Marketing, York
Turn Outreach into Sales: Communications for Small Businesses Webinar, online
Creating a content strategy from scratch: Scarborough
AI-Powered Automation: Automation & Efficiency Webinar Series, online
Website Performance & SEO, York
Ecommerce Launchpad: 2-Day Masterclass, Northallerton
High Impact Communication Workshop: Scarborough
Automate Your Day: 2-Day Masterclass, Harrogate
Craft Your Message: Communications for Small Businesses Webinar, online
Instagram for Business, A Beginner’s Guide: Whitby
Smartphone Video Masterclass: York
Advanced CRM Segmentation: Automation & Efficiency Webinar Series, online
The Courageous Females Programme, Northallerton
Cut Through the Noise: Communications for Small Businesses Webinar
Instagram for Business, A Beginner’s Guide: Masham
Data Integration & Centralisation: Automation & Efficiency Webinar Series, online
Ecommerce Launchpad: 2-Day Masterclass, Scarborough
Automate Your Day: 2-Day Masterclass, Malton
Get Noticed: How to Run Social Media Ads That Win Customers, York
High Impact Communication Workshop: York
How to Create Content That Stops the Scroll and Sells, York
Digital Boost training options (free to attend, all online) – see all here
Sales Conversations For Beginners
2026 Intention Setting - If You Can See It You Can Be It
Curious Leadership - Why perspective matters
Social Media to Sales: Strategy for Consistent Conversions
Solve the Right Problem: Your Roadmap to a Standout Solution
Getting Started with Innovation Grants
Lab: Websites 101- Quick & easy ways to improve your website
AI for Founders (Small Business Owners)
Accelerate Innovation with AI
From Idea to Sustainable Digital Business
Join The Conversation! 9th January or 6th February or 6th March 12noon-1:30pm, online
Explore how everyday conversations can drive real change. Our online Lunch & Learn series brings inspiring speakers who will help you create more inclusive, compassionate workplaces. Join us for thought-provoking discussions that reshape how we communicate, connect, and lead. More details here
Foundations of Effective Mentoring - 12th /21st January or 30th January, 11th /26th February & 13th March, 9:30am-2pm, online
A practical, psychology-informed programme that helps you to become a confident, ethical, and compassionate mentor whilst helping your employer, to build inclusive workplaces that support and retain their employees. More details here
First Aid at Work Training – 16th January 9am-4pm, Masham
Ready to boost your skills? Join this accredited First Aid at Work Training day in Masham! This in-person session is perfect for anyone wanting to learn how to handle emergencies with confidence. Whether you're new to first aid or need a refresher, we've got you covered. Details & booking here
Coaching for Leaders – 16th, 28th January & 27th February 9:30am-5pm, online
An accredited Coaching for Leaders programme equipping you, as a leader or manager, with the confidence, mindset, and practical skills to have coaching-style conversations, leading with curiosity, compassion and clarity as part of creating healthy, inclusive and compassionate workplaces. More details here
Employee Engagement Masterclass – 22nd January, 24th February or 24th March 9:15am-12noon, York
Are you worried about losing talent to your competitors? Does the engagement and morale of your people and teams concern you? Do you struggle to attract the right people? Is there frustration that a lack of management is impacting on performance? Can you assess the impact this is having on your productivity and profit? This workshop gives you the opportunity to consider what you can do to bring out the best in your teams. This increases both productivity and sales which in turn links directly to your bottom line. Details & booking here
The Fundamentals of Coaching Award - 23rd January, 5th & 23rd February, 27th March, 9:30am-5pm, online
An accredited foundation-level coach training programme designed for you, as an employer, wanting to build your organisation’s capability to offer coaching and/or work towards a coaching culture, as a means of achieving healthier, more inclusive, and compassionate workplaces. More details here
Fusion – Bridging the Gap Between Today’s Employers and Tomorrows Workforce – 29th January, 3rd March & 31st March, Rudding Park
This is a really exciting project that we hope will bridge the gap between today’s employers and the next workforce generation. It’s an advanced peer to peer programme, delivered over 3 full in-person day sessions, where we have engaged an expert advisory board to deliver workshops and supporting your business, from recruitment to retention of Gen Z. Your business will also receive an audit and a Fusion ready HR bundle as well as mentoring and coaching. More details here
Unlocking Coaching - 9th & 10th March 9:30-4pm, online
A practical, interactive two-day programme equipping employees to approach coaching conversations with confidence, clarity, and purpose, helping businesses retain valuable staff and successfully re-engage those returning after time away from work. More details here
Creating the Right Environment to Inspire Change Webinar – 16th March 11am-12noon, online
This practical and engaging one-hour webinar explores what it takes to create a working environment that encourages people to grow, embrace change and perform at their best. We’ll share insight, ideas and proven approaches to help leaders, managers and teams build a culture where people feel safe, valued and motivated to give their best. Details & booking here
Tourism on Track: Save the Date – 19th March, Bolton Abbey Station
This event will feature a literature exchange, giving attractions the chance to share marketing materials with hotels, B&Bs, and self-catering providers. In turn, accommodation businesses can pick up guides and leaflets showcasing the best things to do in the area, ensuring guests make the most of their visit to North Yorkshire. Attendees will also hear from key speakers, including Head of Tourism, Tony Watson, who will provide an update on the Visit North Yorkshire journey so far, next stops for 2026 and outline opportunities for businesses to get on board. Keep an eye out for additional speakers announced soon. Details & register interest here
EVENTS & NETWORKING
2nd Business Bees - Quarterly Networking, Building Professional Networks – 7th January 8am-10am, Cross Hills nr Skipton
Complimentary Breakfast Courtesy of The Good Food Story | Hear from inspiring speakers! Network, share, and grow together. Details & booking here
Harrogate Chamber : North Yorkshire Council Annual Briefing – 12th January 5:30pm-8pm, Rudding Park
Hear from Carl Les (Leader of the Council) and Richard Flinton (Chief Executive) as they discuss their plans for the future whilst managing the drop in funding from central Government. Both members and other business owners from the local area are welcome to attend this event which offers a platform to connect, network, and contribute to the ongoing conversation surrounding devolution and the large reduction in funding from central Government.
Networking Harrogate - Face to Face Networking at North Bar -15th January 9:30am-11am, Harrogate
Calling all Harrogate businesses, are you up for a spot of networking? We’ve found a great venue, in the heart of this historic town. North Bar has a cool vibe, and we know we will be made most welcome by the lovely staff. You’re welcome to stay for the rest of the day and co-work in this great location, why not grab some lunch too? Details & booking here
Ripon Women in Business – 27th January 9:30am-10:30am, Ripon
Join our friendly, no-pressure monthly coffee catch-up for Ripon women in business - connect, chat, share, and feel supported.Coffee, conversation & connection for women in business. Welcome! This group is for women in and around Ripon who own, run, or are dreaming of starting a business. Whether you’re a freelancer, side-hustler, or established entrepreneur, you’re warmly invited to join us. Details & booking here
Thrive Circle – 29th January 9:30am-11:30am, Cross Hills
Thrive Circle has been designed to provide a safe space for women to come together, be inspired and supported, and achieve personal growth. We will cover all aspects of life including business, health, finances, relationships, careers and wellbeing. Details & booking here
York and North Yorkshire Property and Economic Forum ‘Planning Policy Meets Agricultural Innovation’– 3rd February 8am-10am, Harrogate
An excellent networking opportunity, to lean about the current updates going on in and around York and North Yorkshire. Meet Kathryn Daly, North Yorkshire Council, to update on growth and planning in North Yorkshire. Tim Whitaker, Askham Bryan Agricultural College, how their Electric Cow turns waste into electricity and fertiliser. Details & booking here
Technology Leadership Social – 5th February 5pm-11pm, Leeds
Presented by Silicon Yorkshire. Real Conversations. Real Community. Strictly no sales. Join us for another evening of drinks, insight, and connection with Yorkshire’s most forward-thinking technology leaders. Whether you’re defining cloud strategy, scaling systems, or just want to meet peers in a relaxed and sales-free environment – this is your room. Details & booking here
Harrogate College Open Event and Careers Fair – 12th February 5:30pm-7pm, Harrogate
Explore endless possibilities and career paths at the Harrogate College Open Event and Careers Fair – your future starts here! This event is your opportunity to discover more about our dedicated campus and experience our supportive environment for yourself. Details & booking here
Ripon Women in Business – 24th February 9:30am-10:30am, Ripon
Join our friendly, no-pressure monthly coffee catch-up for Ripon women in business - connect, chat, share, and feel supported.Coffee, conversation & connection for women in business. Welcome! This group is for women in and around Ripon who own, run, or are dreaming of starting a business. Whether you’re a freelancer, side-hustler, or established entrepreneur, you’re warmly invited to join us. Details & booking here
