Menu
Your business venture starts here
Foundations for a sustainable future
Phase One is an innovative startup program designed to empower digital, creative, tech, and science entrepreneurs, including students and spinouts, in transforming their ideas into sustainable businesses. Developed in collaboration with partners from across the region, members benefit from a practical support programme of advice, workshops and one to one mentoring.
Based at The Catalyst, at the heart of the University of York’s Campus East, Phase One members get personal and direct access to a range of specially selected partner organisations who will share their expertise, knowledge and skills to accelerate your growth potential.
Contact Us
Applications
Applications for the next Phase One cohort are now open. Application deadline is 25 October 2024.
Please ensure you read the rules and guidelines before filling in your application.
Apply now
What did others say about Phase One?
“You can’t run a marathon without the first mile” and I’m glad to have Phase One as my first mile. I have learnt a lot from Phase One peers especially Martin Sabucha who helped me discovered a turning point in developing SIZ prototype. Without that 10-minute chat, I could not imagine how SIZ would look like now.
The Phase One mentors have offered me many advice on who to approach and the organizations to talk to during my journey.
The most exciting part of being a Phase One member is the potential for future collaborations and the opportunity to maximize growth.
We’re thrilled about our Phase One membership, as it connects us with a dynamic community of like-minded professionals from diverse industries, offering invaluable support and fostering opportunities for collective growth.
My favourite part of being part of Phase One is to be surrounded by like-minded people. Also, being a member has proven to be of great value on many other occasions. It is great to be able to count on nice office space with parking to invite guests and have meetings that can potentially change the course of the company.
The community at Phase One has been vital for our development – both in terms of the professional support and expertise from the catalyst, and the ongoing inspiration provided by other members.
The Community
When you are a member of our Business Incubator Programme, you are surrounded by like-minded people. People who strive to create, innovate and elevate their businesses.
Our members can differ by industry but all share entrepreneurial minds and cutting-edge drive. This is what creates a community of start up businesses who share their learnings, support one another and develop businesses, together.
Within the programme, you will attend workshops and networking events with our partners, fellow members and wider support networks in the region. It’s the direct contact within the community that truly inspires our members providing them with support and advice to start or scale-up their businesses.
Who is it for?
Phase One is open to pre-startups or businesses less than 12 months old working within the digital, creative, technology and science sectors.
Businesses applying for Phase One must be able to show that they are willing to work hard, and dedicate themselves to growing their business, making the most of the space, mentoring, support and guidance on offer to them.
Please read the rules and guidelines before filling in your application.
Partners
We have an incredible roster of partners, from the University of York to previous members, and Santander Business Banking to Barclays Eagle Labs. You have the opportunity to widen your network and seek significant guidance to accelerate growth potential.
Do you want to get involved? Phase One needs your experience, expertise and resources to enable entrepreneurs to kick start their ideas, and to help deliver world-class business incubation in a global University setting.
Find out more
Space
- 24/7 access to a smart, professional space to start up and run your new business
- Flexible desks and pods for working, meeting and collaborating
- Full connectivity and high-speed wi-fi network
Services
- Formal meeting rooms and break out areas for internal and external meetings
- Communal facilities including showers, kitchens and chill out spaces
- Access to all of York Science Park’s services including photocopying
