Hull is experiencing an impressive rise in the number of start-ups launched in the city – with many launched by young entrepreneurs.

In the past 18 months, more than 200 new businesses have been supported by Hull City Council, with those numbers expected to rise further as the city’s economy continues to recover.

Many of these new businesses will be represented and celebrated at the HullLive Business Awards, which take place on Thursday, November 18 this year.

It gives companies of all sizes – from pioneering start-ups to the giants that drive the region’s economy – the opportunity to be recognised for their hard work and the amazing impact they have on the community.

This year, Hull City Council is proud to be sponsoring the Young Entrepreneur of the Year category, which celebrates people under 30 who have shown high levels of creativity, entrepreneurship, and ambition for the future.



This year's event sponsors
This year’s event sponsors

Through Hull City Council’s efforts to support businesses old and new, it provides a wide range of services including grant funding, business advice, access to specialist services, workshops and start-up business facilities.

And, the council has now launched a new grant scheme which will deliver up to £5,000 for start-up businesses in the city.

The scheme, through government funding, will allow the council to help the local economy’s recovery from the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic whilst supporting business formation and growth.

Nurturing new businesses



The scheme will support start-ups in Hull, many of which are fronted by young entrepreneurs
The scheme will support start-ups in Hull, many of which are fronted by young entrepreneurs

The scheme is aimed at new Hull businesses formed or registered on or after March 11, 2020. Most businesses eligible for support are expected to receive grants of around £2,000, with a maximum award of £5,000.

The funding can be used for business costs including equipment, business websites, support with rent and ICT-related items.

Councillor Daren Hale, leader of Hull City Council, said: “This is a fantastic opportunity for new businesses in the city to apply for grant funding for a wide range of business costs, giving new businesses a huge boost.



Daren Hale is hoping that the grant scheme will boost the economy post-pandemic
Daren Hale is hoping that the grant scheme will boost the economy post-pandemic

“Hull has fast become a great place for start-ups. Our business support teams do a brilliant job of helping new businesses to get off to the best possible start.

“All businesses have suffered setbacks due to the effects of the pandemic, but grant delivery like this will not only help out start-ups, it will also deliver a boost for the local economy as we already start to see the green shoots of recovery sprouting through.”