The AD:VENTURE Programme: Funding for New Businesses in West Yorkshire
If you are a new or young business in West Yorkshire, the AD:VENTURE programme can provide fully funded support and access to capital grant funding to help you grow. Below is a clear, client-friendly guide you can follow or share.
What is AD:VENTURE
AD:VENTURE is a West Yorkshire growth programme for start-ups and young businesses. You get one-to-one support from an assigned Business Manager and, if eligible, the chance to apply for capital grants. The programme currently runs until March 2026, subject to funds being available.
Who Is It For?
- Location: West Yorkshire. Typical areas include Bradford, Calderdale, Kirklees, Leeds and Wakefield
- Business Stage: Start-ups and young businesses with growth potential
- Mindset: You are willing to work with a Business Manager on a simple growth plan and provide the information needed for a grant application
If you are unsure, register and speak to a Business Manager. They will confirm if you are within the scope of the current funding window.
What Can The Grants Be Used For?
AD:VENTURE grants are mainly capital. Think assets you will keep and use to grow capacity or capability.
- Machinery, tools and equipment
- IT hardware or specialist kit
- Fit-out or workspace improvements related to growth
- Website design and marketing
- Vehicles may be out of scope unless clearly justified as capital that drives growth – check with your Business Manager first
Operating costs such as salaries of office rent are typically not funded. Your Business Manager will confirm what is in and out for your case.
How to apply — simple step-by-step
1) Register Your Business
Complete the short registration on the AD:VENTURE website. Keep it simple and accurate.
2) Meet Your Business Manager
You will be assigned a Business Manager who will talk through your goals, timeline and what you want to purchase. They will confirm eligibility and next steps.
3) Build a Short Growth Plan
Together you will outline what you need, why you need it and how it will increase revenue, jobs or productivity. Keep this practical and measurable.
4) Gather Your Evidence
Have these ready to speed things up
- Quotes for the capital items you want to buy
- Financials recent accounts if you have them or a basic cash-flow forecast
- Evidence of demand orders, enquiries, pipeline or letters of intent
- Permissions anything relevant such as landlord approval or H&S documents
5) Submit the Grant Application
Your Business Manager will guide the form and checklist. If you want to name a preferred supplier, you can do that in the application.
6) Decision and Delivery
If approved, you purchase in line with the offer letter, then claim in the way your Business Manager explains. Keep invoices and proof of payment.
What to Prepare Before Your First Call
- A short business overview what you do, who you serve, your pricing and your service area
- A one-page growth objective what you will buy and how it increases output, quality or speed
- A simple cash-flow to show you can fund your contribution and ongoing costs
- Two or three quotes per item where possible to show value for money
- A shortlist of preferred suppliers if you already know who you want to use
What makes a strong application
- Clear growth link Tie the item to measurable outcomes such as more capacity, faster turnaround, new product lines or access to new markets
- Realistic timescales When you will order, install and start using the asset
- Match funding ready Show your contribution and how you will pay it
- Value for money Comparable quotes and a short note on why your chosen supplier is the best fit
- Readiness Any approvals or compliance sorted upfront
Typical Timelines
- Registration and first call within a short period, depending on demand
- Application preparation two to five weeks depending on how fast you can gather quotes and evidence
- Decision times vary. Respond quickly to any queries to keep things moving
Frequently Asked Questions
1.) Do I pay for the support
No. The business support is fully funded. If you receive a grant you may need to provide match funding. Your Business Manager will explain the percentage and rules for the current call.
2.) Can I use my own supplier
Yes. You can name a preferred supplier in the application, as long as value for money is demonstrated.
3.) Do I have to be a limited company
AD:VENTURE supports a range of legal structures. Your Business Manager will confirm eligibility for the current funding window.
4.) Can wages be funded
Grants are mainly capital. Equipment and assets are the focus. Your Business Manager will confirm what is eligible in your case.
How Athena Media Can Help
If you plan to use part of your grant for digital investment – for example website design, hosting, SEO or online booking and integration systems – I can provide clear quotes, timelines and deliverables that fit AD:VENTURE’s requirements. If you want to name Athena Media as your preferred supplier, just tell your Business Manager and I will liaise with them as needed.
Final Thought
If you are a start-up or young business in West Yorkshire with a clear plan for growth, AD:VENTURE is one of the most practical ways to accelerate your progress. Register, speak to your Business Manager and get your evidence ready. The sooner you start, the sooner you can invest in the tools that will move your business forward. Contact Athena Media to find out more.
