This Handy Service Connects SMEs With a Powerful Network of Experts, Mentors and Support Services to Help Drive Innovation

From navigating the funding landscape to collaborating with industry experts, Connecting Innovation can help you make your ideas a reality…

Innovation is vital to business. It gives us resilience, versatility and the power to pivot in a fast-changing world. With that in mind, it’s no wonder the West Yorkshire Combined Authority is on a mission to make the Leeds city region a hotbed of innovation. From fuelling collaboration through the West Yorkshire Innovation Network to supporting SMEs through Connecting Innovation, they’ve supported the development of a rich and diverse landscape to help businesses succeed.

Connecting Innovation is your direct line to support

Innovation comes in many forms. Perhaps you’ve got an idea for a new product that will disrupt the market or maybe you’ve found a way to revolutionise internal processes to improve profitability. Whatever you’re plotting, Connecting Innovation can help you make it happen. Their network and expertise will prove invaluable support in the early stages of your project.

You’ll work with experienced advisors who will guide you through the process. Not only are they experts in their field, but they’re well connected – from incubators and accelerators to research organisations, advisory services and grant funding programmes – they know the local landscape better than anyone, which means you will too.

Funding is always a big draw. There are loads of options, both locally and nationally, but the process of finding, researching and applying for grants can be time consuming. The good news is, your advisors know exactly what’s available, what the criteria is and when you need to apply, so you can secure the funding you need.

But that’s just the beginning. Need an industry expert? They’ll put you in touch with someone. Want to speak with someone who’s been through a similar process? They’ll know just who to call. That’s the beauty of Connecting Innovation – they’re so deeply embedded in the local business ecosystem that you’ll have a vast pool of support and expertise at your fingertips.

Since the programme launched in August 2022, they’ve connected 437 SMEs with 93 support providers and helped bring 23 new products and services to market. You could be next. So if you’re an SME with an new idea or project you want to get off the ground, why not out to Connecting Innovation? Their experts are on-hand to help and their service is entirely free.

Connecting Innovation is delivered by the West Yorkshire Combined Authority and is funded by the European Regional Development Fund for England and the Local Growth Fund. It provides access to all the support available through the West Yorkshire Innovation Network, which supports, encourages and nurtures innovative ideas within the region.