Those that follow Youbee Media, may know that we proudly call ourselves an ‘AD:VENTURE Business’. The AD:VENTURE programme has supported our marketing consultancy Youbee from the outset, since this flourishing business was just a spark in my mind. AD:VENTURE has nurtured the company’s development in every practical area, including recruitment, expansion and future-planning. As our time on the programme concludes and we become ‘AD:VENTURE graduates’, I wanted to take a moment to reflect on the support that we’ve had, so you’ll hopefully discover what AD:VENTURE can do to assist your business too.
What is AD:VENTURE?
Quite simply, AD:VENTURE helps new businesses access fully funded support to help them grow. The initial phase of this support program was launched in 2017, backed by ERDF (European Regional Development Fund) finances.
From its inception through to the first half of 2023, AD:VENTURE actively worked with over 4,112 businesses and 1,989 individuals, delivered a programme of over 1000 events, and approved 709 grants worth a total of £3,621,774. The support also created 890 additional jobs across Yorkshire.
AD:VENTURE Advances…
As the ERDF-funded phase of the programme came to an end, AD:VENTURE looked to continue their services, seeking alternative financial backing. They can now continue to provide their services to new businesses, having secured funding with the WYCA (West Yorkshire Combined Authority). Under this new programme, start-up businesses can gain access to funding and grants between £1,500 - £10,000 and can expect a refreshed and elevated level of workshop delivery, networking opportunities and other practical resources.
To qualify for AD:VENTURE support, your business should be located in West Yorkshire (Bradford, Calderdale, Kirklees, Wakefield, and Leeds) and in its first 3 years of trading – but it does need to be actively trading. You should aspire for growth but under the new programme, you can define how this will best suit your business model; you might wish to thrive as a micro business - or scale-up for international success! The AD:VENTURE programme will open doors for you, regardless of the size of your business - so even if you’re not sure what you need right now, it’s worth signing up for AD:VENTURE’s communications.
How has the programme supported Youbee Media?
We’ve successfully applied for and been awarded three grants on the programme. We’ve claimed funding worth £4,538.49 in match-funded grants, which has enabled us to purchase office equipment (including chairs, laptops and monitors) and marketing materials (including banners, leaflets and business cards).
We strategically coordinated each of our grant applications with internal stages of growth. So, with every leap forward we took, we had the security of knowing our progress was supported. Committing to expansion can be daunting, whether you’re recruiting new staff or extending your office premises – but doing this with AD:VENTURE’s support and guidance made it feel like less of risk.
What’s more, AD:VENTURE’s Grant Application team are unfailingly understanding, insightful and encouraging. We want to give to a big shout out to these all-round brilliant people, in particular Tony Armson. Tony supported us through all our grant claims, responding to my wild requests with kindness and the most helpful guidance.
All members of the Youbee team have attended a selection of AD:VENTURE’s free, fully funded and quality workshops to increase their skills in PR, content creation, SEO and more. These workshops are a great way to upskill the team at no cost to the employer. As a business owner, it doesn’t get much better than that.
Growing business in the North
In 2022, I was part of the sixth Northern Max Accelerator programme in Bradford. Delivered by Greenborough Management, the programme enabled 14 business owners to attend workshops designed for business growth, planning and marketing. It was possibly the best peer support network I’ve had. Each week, we came together as a group, compared progress notes, and shared our experiences. We were all at a similar stage of business development, our business interests/services didn’t conflict, and we supported each other on a massive journey that built confidence and insight. The programme came to an end with a live pitch in front of a panel of investors – Dragons’ Den style! This experience was terrifying, thrilling and liberating. I want to say a massive thank you to Russell Copley and Michelle Davis for all the support, guidance, and friendship. It was a truly amazing experience that will stay with me for years to come.
Beyond business support
Yes, we’ve gone through the steps of accessing grants, workshops, and networking opportunities – but we’ve actually gained so much more. As proud supporter and ambassador of AD:VENTURE, I’ve had the opportunity to speak to other ambitious business owners about what the programme can do for them. Most recently, I shared our experiences at the Leeds launch of the new programme. Alongside Ricky Talbot of Living Walls and Daniel Harvey of THIS Architecture, I was able to celebrate and thank the team at AD:VENTURE for everything they’ve done for us. In return, we’ve been introduced to a network of people who may need our help or services at some stage. AD:VENTURE has created a community that works well and professionally flourishes together.
It’s a symbiotic relationship; Youbee Media has gained four new clients through the AD:VENTURE network and we’ve signposted many more towards the programme. We have also had the opportunity to bid for work with AD:VENTURE and deliver Marketing Training workshops at the Business & IP Centre in Leeds.
As well as everything that I’ve mentioned here - which is plenty - there’s still more! The AD:VENTURE Business Managers and wider team are a fountain of knowledge. Daneile Moore has been Marketing and Communications Manager for AD:VENTURE since the very beginning. Her knowledge of public sector funding and opportunities is vast, and her experience of small business growth is incredible. Not only has she been a fantastic professional sounding board for me, but her personal support has wisely guided many business decisions and opened many doors for us.
Daneile is able to signpost the work of other organisations, highlighting other funding opportunities such as the Business Enterprise Fund (BEF). A start-up loan from BEF gave me the confidence to double the floor space in our office. I took out a small loan over 7 years and repaid it in less than 1. Sometimes, you just need a little handholding before saying ‘I’ve got this’ – and that’s exactly what the BEF loan did for me. Thanks, Daneile!
A final piece of advice
I can use a common phrase to summarise my experience with AD:VENTURE, but it’s one which contains a real nugget of truth: in life and in work, you get out what you put in. For me, with AD:VENTURE, everything that they’ve asked, I’ve said ‘Yes’ to. I’ll speak at any event, provide blog content for their website, I’ll participate in video case studies (as shown below), have our story logged as a case study, and I’ll always be an AD:VENTURE ambassador. It’s a genuinely cooperative business relationship which is valued both ways.
If you think that your business is eligible for AD:VENTURE and the idea of growth opportunities appeals, you can register your interest here.
Need support with social media management? Youbee Media can help, and Becky’s workshops offer hands-on consultancy advice to go further.
