Funding available for innovative small/medium-sized businesses

Innovative small and medium-sized Bristol firms can apply for grants of between £10,000 and £75,000 to carry out research and development following the relaunch of an established funding programme.

Innovation 4 Growth (I4G) funding totalling £500,000 is available to businesses from across the West of England in all sectors who are developing new products, technologies, processes and services.

Eligible businesses, which include start-ups, social enterprises and sole traders, can apply for grants covering up to 35% of total project costs. This can take in consultancy, the purchase of equipment, technology, machinery and materials, testing, trials, market assessment and training. Projects must be completed by June next year.

I4G is financed through the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and grant recipients will need to commit to the creation of new jobs in the West of England, so contributing to the area’s economic health.

The programme opened earlier this week for firms based in the Bristol City, North Somerset, South Gloucestershire and Bath & North East Somerset council areas. Interested businesses must submit grant applications by midday on Monday July 30.

Expressions of interest can be made online at www.innovation4growth.co.uk

For a confidential discussion about a potential application, or more general information about the scheme, contact the I4G Team at innovation4growth@uwe.ac.uk