Rise 2 Thrive Trailblazer
Empowering ambitions, removing barriers, and supporting enterprise across York and North Yorkshire.
Rise to Thrive Trailblazer is an inclusive programme designed to support individuals are classed as *economically inactive. The project is delivered with funding from the Mayoral Combined Authority and runs until March 2027.
At Yorkshire in Business our support is in helping you explore your options away from traditional employment such as self employment, we do this by supporting and guiding you through your skills and talents, helping you identify what you can and can't do, encouragement and training.
We can also direct you to a number of other services available within Rise to Thrive covering things such as benefit advice and physical and mental wellbeing, this can run alongside your support from us.
This is not a grant fund and does not offer you any financial support, the fund pays for expert support and guidance.
Who we support
This programme is specifically tailored to support those who:
- Are *economically inactive
- Live in North Yorkshire and are aged between 16 and 64
*If you have not worked in the last 4 weeks and are unlikely to begin working in the next 2 weeks we may be able to help you explore your options.
Our offer
As a keyworker partner, we provide a combination of one-to-one mentoring and small group sessions, offered both in-person and virtually to meet individual needs. We focus not only on self-employment skills but also on tackling broader barriers to progress—such as finances, mental health, housing, and wellbeing.
Participants will benefit from support in areas such as:
- Exploring and validating business ideas
- Business planning and strategy
- Marketing planning and execution
- Social media and Canva training
- Website development guidance
- Logo and business card design
- Financial forecasting, bookkeeping, and HMRC registration
- Self-employment tax returns and navigating the benefits system
- Sourcing and applying for grants
Beyond the basics
Once on the programme, participants also gain access to a vibrant entrepreneurial community through:
- Monthly in-person networking sessions
- Opportunities to pitch and sell products via our Indie Revival shop
- Access to additional business training and development opportunities
Our impact
Rise to Thrive Trailblazer is more than just business support. It’s a holistic, people-first programme aimed at improving confidence, wellbeing, and financial independence to reach their entrepreneurial goals. By addressing the wider challenges people face, we help build stronger futures—where individuals can truly thrive in life and in work.
