Carbon Trust Applied Research Grant

Sponsor: Carbon Trust

Applied research grant funding is available to businesses, research institutions and other organisations, and aims to support the development and commercialisation of technologies which have the potential to reduce UK carbon emissions. The Carbon Trust endeavours to encourage and support the progress of low carbon technologies towards large-scale deployment.

To be successful projects must demonstrate:

• Genuine innovation and the potential to contribute to substantial reductions in UK greenhouse gas emissions
• That the work is well planned and builds on previous work in the area
• That the results of the work will allow a clear step forward on the path towards commercialisation
• Good value for money
• Benefit to the UK.

Who is eligible?

Open to all organisations including businesses, universities and local authorities.

How long does it last? Three years maximum.

How much does it cost? Grant funding of up to £500,000 for applied research leading to low carbon products or services is available. All partners are expected to make a minimum 40% contribution to the cost of the work - either in cash or in kind.

Find out more.

Flexible Support for Business (FS4B)

Sponsor: Welsh Assembly Government

The purpose of FS4B is to help all businesses in Wales access the advice and support they need to reach their potential.

Whether you are already in business or planning to start an enterprise, FS4B aims to find you a tailored package of support to help you fulfi l your business ambitions. FS4B offers fast, simple and straightforward access to information, advice and support for all businesses and prospective businesses via a gateway that will include a single website, national phone number, and face-to-face through a network of regional centres.

Who is eligible? All businesses in Wales.

How much does it cost? There are no costs to the business.

Find out more or call +44 (0)3000 603000

Local Investment Fund (LIF)

Sponsors: Welsh Local Authority consortia across north west, south west and south east Wales

The Local Investment Fund (LIF) is a package of flexible financial support to help new and existing businesses in Wales by offering capital grants covering up to 40% of eligible projects, between £1,000 and £5,000. The grant is part funded through the European Regional Development Fund (Convergence).

LIF can support a range of projects relating to business startup, growth, diversifi cation and adaptation. Eligible capital projects could include:

• Capital equipment
• ICT equipment
• Development of websites
• Marketing materials
• External and internal building works and alterations.

Who is eligible? SMEs with a turnover less than 50 million Euros or a balance sheet under 43 million Euros. Applicants should primarily
trade in the business to business arena and LIF cannot support projects which cause displacement, (i.e. provide an unfair advantage over local competitors).

How much does it cost? Grant is paid in arrears and expenditure incurred before grant approval is not eligible for funding. Businesses must meet 60% of the project costs.

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Single Investment Fund (SIF)

Sponsor: Welsh Assembly Government

• Starting up
• Expansion
• Modernisation
• Restructuring
• Developing new products, processes or services
• Specialist advice
• General business support
• Mentoring.

The lowest level of support for capital investment projects is £5,001. There is no minimum level of support for revenue projects. The amount of support SIF can contribute will vary depending on the type, needs and location of the project. Higher rates of support may be available in Assisted Areas, but in all cases the amount offered will be the minimum contribution needed and generally less than 50% of eligible costs.

Who is eligible? Individuals, SMEs, large companies and social enterprises may be eligible. Businesses operating beyond the local market needing help with a project in Wales may be eligible for financial support through SIF.

How much does it cost? There are no costs to the business to apply for SIF, although the company will need to make a fi nancial commitment to the project.

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Technology Strategy Board

Sponsor: Technology Strategy Board

The Technology Strategy Board promotes innovation in many ways. As well as investing in programmes and projects, much of the work is in spreading knowledge, understanding policy, spotting opportunities and bringing people together to solve problems or make new advances.

TSB currently manages a range of programmes and delivery mechanisms to drive innovation. There are a number of current and forthcoming research and development competitions covering a range of technology and application areas.

Who is eligible? SMEs and large companies in the public and private sector

How long does it last? The duration is project dependent.

How much does it cost? The cost is project dependent.

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Wellcome Trust Translation Awards

Sponsor: Wellcome Trust

Translation Awards are designed to bridge the funding gap in the commercialisation of new technologies in the biomedical area. Projects covering any aspect of technology development from a range of disciplines - including physical, computational and life sciences - will be considered. Projects must address an unmet need in healthcare or in applied medical research, offer a potential new solution, and have a realistic expectation that the innovation will be developed further by the market.

Who is eligible? Researchers from academic institutions (universities and research institutions) and companies are eligible.

How much does it cost? There are no costs involved.

Find out more