The York & North Yorkshire Growth Hub and Lifted Ventures has launched the new cohort for its ‘North Yorkshire Stars’ Investment Readiness Programme, aiming to support and prepare a fresh group of regional start-ups and early-stage businesses for investment opportunities.
The North Yorkshire Stars Programme is a fully-funded 12-hour support initiative that offers a blend of in-person and virtual workshops. It is open to businesses across all sectors. The course is designed to be inclusive and supportive of diverse founders, helping them refine their business models, access funding, and pitch effectively to investors.
David Skaith, Mayor of York and North Yorkshire, expressed his enthusiasm for the new cohort. He said, “The North Yorkshire Stars Programme has proven to be a vital resource for our entrepreneurs. It not only equips them with the necessary skills and knowledge to attract investment but also fosters a spirit of innovation and inclusivity. I am confident that this new cohort will continue to build on the success of the previous one and further strengthen our local economy.”
Lifted Ventures, co-founded by Helen Oldham and Jordan Dargue, continues to play a pivotal role in the programme. Their mission to increase early-stage capital for diverse founders outside London aligns perfectly with the goals of the Growth Hub. Mr Dargue said: “After the fundamental success of the first North Yorkshire Stars Access to Finance programme, we are delighted to be supporting the York and North Yorkshire Growth Hub for a second time. The programme aims to support all businesses across the region, guiding participants through the process of making their businesses investment ready.
The comprehensive support provided by the programme has been lauded by past participants. One testimonial said: “The Lifted Ventures North Yorkshire Stars programme has been instrumental in our journey, providing unwavering support, valuable introductions, and the opportunity to meet so many other great founders and advisors. Jordan and Helen’s dedication has been pivotal to our progress and success.”
The programme schedule includes a series of workshops and events starting from 23rd September 2024. It will focus on developing business plans, exploring funding options, financial forecasting, legal requirements, and crafting effective pitch decks. The course will culminate in a pitch event on 3rd December 2024, where participants will present their investment opportunities to a panel of seasoned investors from the North Yorkshire Angel Network.
This project is funded by the UK government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund. The funding was allocated by North Yorkshire Council and is available exclusively to businesses registered in the North Yorkshire Council area.
