Helping Businesses Transform Great Ideas into New Products, Processes & Technology.
Great Ideas is a new £2.5 million business innovation programme, part of the Mayor of York and North Yorkshire’s Business Innovation Fund. It offers personalised innovation support and gives eligible businesses the opportunity to pitch for purpose-built grants of up to £60,000 to help them implement their innovative ideas.
Great Ideas, greater possibilities
Join Great Ideas, a fully funded programme designed to help businesses in York & North Yorkshire develop, innovate, and grow. Whether you’re looking to launch a new product, improve processes, or adopt new technologies, this free programme provides practical guidance and expert support, along with advice on potential funding opportunities. Businesses with the most investment ready innovation projects will be invited to pitch for a Great Ideas innovation grant of up to £60,000 to support implementation.
We don’t just talk about innovation - we guide you through the entire process, from identifying opportunities to applying for grants and implementing solutions, so your business can see a tangible impact.
Sign up today to access helpful online resources and secure your place in our programme for personalised support. Spaces are limited, so don’t miss your opportunity.
Why Join?
Develop new products and services
With step-by-step guidance tailored to your business needs.
Boost efficiency
Improve processes, productivity, and performance across your operations.
Connect and collaborate
Engage with regional experts, peers, and partners to unlock new opportunities.
Access funding
Participants with the most investment ready projects will have the chance to pitch for an innovation grant of up to £60,000. You’ll receive full guidance and support throughout the application and pitch process. These revenue grants are designed to help you access regional innovation expertise and assets, removing the final barriers to implementing your great idea and getting it investment ready.
Innovation Areas You'll Explore
Tailored guidance across key sectors and challenges:
- Defining, designing and developing new products and services and enhancing existing ones
- Testing potential new products and services with prospective customers
- Sourcing specialist expertise
- Understand how to protect your intellectual property
- Raising finance to fund your innovation
- Developing and implementing new ways of working to increase your efficiency and reduce costs
- Minimising waste and reducing your carbon footprint
How it works
- Register Your Interest – Quick online form to start your journey.
- Innovation Health Check – Personalised assessment to identify opportunities and next steps.
- Tailored Support –Workshops, webinars, coaching, and (whereappropriate)grant application guidance.
Flexible, practical support designed for your business
We know every business is unique. Great Ideas provides a flexible approach with various support streams, so you can access the support that’s most relevant to you. No jargon. No cost. Just practical, step-by-step guidance to help you innovate, grow, and thrive.
Ready to take your ideas further?
Register today to join the Great Ideas Programme and start your innovation journey with fully funded guidance and support.
Great Ideas is a programme supported by David Skaith, Mayor of York and North Yorkshire and funded by York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority as part of the Business Innovation Fund.
It has been developed in partnership with UMi.
