News

Health inequalities across West Yorkshire remain stark, with residents in neighbouring communities often experiencing vastly different outcomes. These disparities are shaped by a range of social and environmental factors – from access to green space and quality housing to transport connectivity and availability of nutritious food. Addressing these determinants of health is essential if we are to achieve meaningful, long-term improvements in population wellbeing.

To support innovation in this space, the Mayor’s big ideas challenge to tackle health inequalities, delivered by Challenge Works on behalf of the West Yorkshire Combined Authority, is calling on small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) across the region to come forward with bold, practical solutions to reduce health inequalities. The most promising ideas will be awarded with funding and non-financial support.

Funding on offer

Twenty shortlisted businesses will each receive £20,000 in funding, as well as tailored support to further develop their ideas. This includes expert-led workshops on commercialisation, human-centred design, and investment readiness. From the finalists, three winning SMEs will be selected to receive a further £100,000 to scale their solutions more widely across the region.

Deadline to apply is 12 noon on Tuesday 7th May.

“This challenge is a call to all of the innovative organisations in our region, which are essential to an inclusive, growing economy,” says Mandy Ridyard, Business Advisor to the Mayor of West Yorkshire. “We cannot wait to see the brightest ideas from our dynamic West Yorkshire businesses!”

Wide-ranging solutions

The challenge is open to businesses from any sector, provided the idea clearly demonstrates how it will improve health and wellbeing locally. Potential solutions might include:

• New ways to connect people living in city centres to green spaces
• Partnerships with local food producers to support better nutrition in low-income communities
• Tools that help healthcare professionals overcome language and cultural barriers in service delivery

Applicants must be based in Bradford, Calderdale, Kirklees, Leeds, or Wakefield, and proposals must show how they could make a real impact in West Yorkshire.

Apply now

The challenge is a chance to grow an idea that could improve the lives of local people across the region.

Applications close at midday on Tuesday 7th May – organisers encourage businesses to get their submissions in as soon as possible.

To find out more and apply, visit: www.wybusiness-skills.com/MayorsBigIdeasChallengeForSMEs/