Phase One of your business venture starts here.

The Programme

Foundations for a sustainable future

Phase One is an entrepreneurial start up programme supporting digital, creative, tech and science innovators, students and spinouts to turn their ideas into sustainable businesses. Developed in collaboration with partners from across the region, members benefit from a practical support programme of advice, workshops and one to one mentoring.

Based at The Catalyst, at the heart of the University of York’s Campus East, Phase One members get personal and direct access to a range of specially selected partner organisations who will share their expertise, knowledge and skills to accelerate your growth potential.

Applications

Our current cohorts are full, but applications for the next Phase One cohort are now open. Application deadline is 23 February 2024.

Please ensure you read the rules and guidelines before filling in your application.

'The most exciting thing about being a Phase One member is to be surrounded by like-minded people'

The Community

When you are a member of our Business Incubator Programme, you are surrounded by like-minded people. People who strive to create, innovate and elevate their businesses.

Our members can differ by industry but all share entrepreneurial minds and cutting-edge drive. This is what creates a community of start up businesses who share their learnings, support one another and develop businesses, together.

Within the programme, you will attend workshops and networking events with our partners, fellow members and wider support networks in the region. It’s the direct contact within the community that truly inspires our members providing them with support and advice to start or scale-up their businesses.

Who is it for?

Phase One is open to pre-startups or businesses less than 12 months old working within the digital, creative, technology and science sectors.

Businesses applying for Phase One must be able to show that they are willing to work hard, and dedicate themselves to growing their business, making the most of the space, mentoring, support and guidance on offer to them.

Please read the rules and guidelines before filling in your application.

Partners

We have an incredible roster of partners, from the University of York to previous members, and Santander Business Banking to Barclays Eagle Labs. You have the opportunity to widen your network and seek significant guidance to accelerate growth potential.

Do you want to get involved? Phase One needs your experience, expertise and resources to enable entrepreneurs to kick start their ideas, and to help deliver world-class business incubation in a global University setting.

Space

24/7 access to a smart, professional space to start up and run your new business

Flexible desks and pods for working, meeting and collaborating

Full connectivity and high-speed wi-fi network

Services

Formal meeting rooms and break out areas for internal and external meetings

Communal facilities including showers, kitchens and chill out spaces

Access to all of York Science Park’s services including photocopying and phone answering