Ready to Start a Business in Scarborough This Summer?

There's never been a better time to take that idea seriously. Whether you've been scribbling notes on a business concept for months, wondering if your weekend hobby could actually pay the bills, or simply feeling the pull towards working for yourself, June and July 2026 are shaping up to be genuinely exciting months if you're based on the Yorkshire Coast.

We've put together a full series of workshops and sessions designed specifically for people at the very beginning of their journey. No prior experience needed. No complicated jargon. Just honest, practical support from people who've helped hundreds of businesses get off the ground.

Here's a look at what's on, why it matters, and how you can get involved.

Asking the Big Question First: Is Self-Employment Right for You?

Most people skip straight to the "how" without spending enough time on the "whether". That's why one of the most valuable sessions in our current series tackles self-employment as a concept before anything else.

Hosted by Joanne, our "Is Self-Employment Right for Me?" session creates a relaxed space to explore the real pros and challenges of working for yourself. We cover different routes into self-employment, what mindset actually looks like in practice, and what local support and funding opportunities exist for people starting out in this area.

This session is ideal if you have a business idea but aren't yet confident, want more flexibility in your working life, or are weighing up a side hustle against full-time self-employment. It's also a chance to connect with others who are asking the same questions as you, which can be more valuable than any handout or workbook.

Turning a Hobby Into Something That Actually Pays

Our "Monetise Your Hobby" session, hosted by Jenny Holden (COO at Indie Revival CIC), is one of the most popular things we run, and it's easy to see why.

If you make, bake, craft, create, or design something you genuinely love, this session explores how that passion could become a real income stream. We look at how to start selling your products, how to build the confidence to put yourself out there, and how a side hustle mindset can help you start small without taking on unnecessary risk.

There's also the chance to hear about opportunities to sell products through our shop, and to get a clear picture of the support available as you grow. Whether you're thinking about a full business or just want to earn some extra income doing something you enjoy, this session gives you a practical starting point without any pressure.

Building a Business Plan That Actually Works

A business plan isn't just a document you write to satisfy a bank manager. When it's done properly, it becomes your roadmap. It helps you make better decisions, spot gaps before they become problems, and stay focused when things get busy.

Our "Business Planning to Succeed" workshop, also hosted by Joanne, walks you through the core elements of a solid business plan, including:

  • Your unique selling point (what genuinely sets you apart)
  • Target customer (who you're actually trying to reach)
  • Competitor analysis (understanding the landscape you're entering)
  • Business structure (which model fits your situation)
  • Skills and weaknesses (being honest with yourself from the start)

This isn't a theoretical exercise. We work through it practically, with useful tools and real guidance. It's built for start-ups, freelancers, side hustlers, and anyone who wants to turn an idea into something sustainable.

Getting Comfortable With the Financial Side

Money is the part most new business owners admit makes them nervous. But avoiding it doesn't make it simpler, and the earlier you build solid financial habits, the better positioned your business will be.

Our Business Money Workshop is free, friendly, and completely jargon-free. It's designed to help you:

  • Build realistic budgets and financial forecasts
  • Manage your cashflow with confidence
  • Understand the basics of sole trader tax
  • Use simple tools to stay organised and in control

Whether you're just starting out or you've been trading for a while and feel like your finances need a proper review, this session gives you the foundations to make smarter decisions going forward.

The Start Your Business This June Series

All of the above feeds into our broader Start Up Workshop Series, running every Tuesday from 1pm to 2.30pm at the Yorkshire Coast Enterprise Centre. Here's the schedule:

  • 16th June – Is Self-Employment Right for Me?
  • 23rd June – Turning Your Hobby into Self-Employment
  • 30th June – Business Planning for Success
  • 7th July – Managing Business Finances

With three of those sessions either happening now or coming up in the next fortnight, there's still time to join the series and get the full benefit of working through each topic in sequence.

Drop In on Tuesdays If You Have Questions

Sometimes you don't need a formal workshop. You just need to talk something through with someone who understands business and won't make you feel like your question is too basic.

That's exactly what our Advice Drop In is for. Every Tuesday from 9am to 12 midday, you can come in, bring your questions, and get straightforward guidance from our team. No appointment needed.

Why This Matters for Scarborough Entrepreneurs

We work with start-ups and established businesses across the UK, but our roots are firmly in this community. Our advisors bring more than 100 years of combined experience, and our approach has always been built around what actually works for real business owners rather than textbook theory.

We believe the best business plans are grounded in genuine market understanding, clear financial thinking, and a strong sense of purpose. We help our clients figure out their "why" first, then build everything else around it.

If you've been thinking about taking the leap into self-employment, or you've already started and want stronger foundations, now is a genuinely good moment to act. The sessions are free, the environment is welcoming, and the guidance is practical.

Visit yorkshireinbusiness.org.uk to find out more about upcoming workshops, or call us on 01723 588 000. You can also email us at info@yorkshireinbusiness.org.uk if you'd prefer to get in touch that way.

Take the first step. We're here to help you make it count.