Here to help you start up in business
If you are starting a new business there are a range of support services available.
Please see the web links below for the main services provided by national government and local organisations.
If you have an established business (more than three years old) please see our support for growing businesses and how we can help you.
More information is available at general business support and business networks.
For any business enquires please contact us at business@harrogate.gov.uk.
AD:VENTURE provides expert help and advice to start ups and high growth businesses in the first three years of trading. Free support is available to businesses in or who are locating to the Harrogate district. To find out more please contact the business team at business@harrogate.gov.uk.
Business Enterprise Fund is a not for profit social enterprise, providing finance and support to small and medium-sized (SME) businesses in the North.
An independent and specialist innovation programme, helping eligible businesses access funding or grants to support projects.
The Digital Advantage Project for North Yorkshire offers free to attend workshops and grants of up to £5,000 to eligible businesses. Specialist support on digital issues includes websites, cyber-security, marketing, content writing and analytics.
For details please email Digitaladvantage@cueltd.co.uk (supported with part-funding by the European Union and Coventry University Enterprises).
GOV.UK business and self-employed: Setting up
A government site with information on a business support helpline, funding and advice for setting up and growing a business.
Support for starting a business for 18 to 30-year-olds.
Self-employed / working for yourself / sole trader
If you start working for yourself, you're classed as a sole trader. This means you're self-employed - even if you haven't yet told HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC).
For more information please visit www.gov.uk/working-for-yourself and www.gov.uk/set-up-self-employed.
Social Enterprise
For information on social enterprises and resources, including funding, please visit www.seyh.org.uk and www.gov.uk/set-up-a-social-enterprise.
A government-backed scheme helping individuals start or grow a business in the UK, including finance and online advice.
Trading Standards
North Yorkshire County Council: Trading Standards and consumer advice. Please visit www.northyorks.gov.uk/trading-standards.
Business Companion: www.businesscompanion.info - an online service providing free, impartial legal guidance for businesses (government-backed).
West and North Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce
Advice and useful web links when starting and growing a business.
York and North Yorkshire Growth Hub
Information, webinars, telephone helpline and support services for people starting a business.