INNOVATION GROWTH

Proof of Concept Grants

Grant funding of up to £30,000 is available to support SMEs to investigate, advance, commercialise and protect innovative early stage business ideas. This grant support provides 40% of the total cost of a project, with the remaining 60% provided by the SME.

Who is eligible?

Applicants must be based in Worcestershire and:

• Be defined as an SME and employ fewer than 250 employees

• Have a turnover of less than the equivalent of €50 million per annum or a balance sheet of less than €43 million

• Trade predominantly B2B (70%)

• Full European Regional Development Funding (ERDF) eligibility criteria also applies.

To find out more, visit: www.business-central.co.uk/proof-of-concept

WINN Innovation Launchpad

This two-part programme offers expert advice and support to local SMEs. If you’re a future-thinking Worcestershire business passionate about innovating, sign up to a Launchpad event to receive specialist bespoke advice to help you create, develop, and define new ideas.

Full European Regional Development Funding (ERDF) eligibility criteria applies.

To find out more, visit: www.winn-hub.com/innovationlaunchpad

Innovation Platform

Open to all Worcestershire residents, the Innovation Platform is an online platform where individuals can set up a profile to collaborate with likeminded innovators and respond to challenges. Having initially started in 2019, the Innovation Platform highlights how ‘Great Things Happen When People Get Together.’

Once you’re active on the platform, join in the conversations, respond to challenges and get answers to all your businessrelated questions. While you’re there share your knowledge and experience with others too.

To find out more, visit: www.winn-hub.com/innovationplatform

Elevate Support

Aimed at established SMEs in Worcestershire, Elevate is an exclusive and unique offer for successful applicants to gain high quality, specialist business and grant support to take their business to the next level. The programme is aimed at local businesses who have been operating successfully and have an ambitious mindset for further growth.

The programme is now moving onto sector specific support including manufacturing supply chain, digital technology and automated manufacturing consultancy, along with another cohort of generic business support.

Full European Regional Development Funding (ERDF) eligibility criteria applies.

To find out more, visit: www.worcestershire.gov.uk/elevate

Clean Growth

Business Energy E ciency Programme (BEEP) Grants

BEEP offers free energy efficiency assessments and grants of up to £20,000 for businesses who wish to reduce costs and improve their environmental impact. BEEP’s recommendations will, on average, reduce energy bills by around 30%.

Funded activities include LED lighting, heating, energy efficiency equipment, compressors and fast shutting warehouse doors.

Full European Regional Development Funding (ERDF) eligibility criteria applies.

To find out more, visit: www.business-central.co.uk/beep

Low Carbon Opportunities Programme (LOCOP) Grants

For businesses interested in investing in solar or other renewable technologies, LOCOP offers renewable energy assessments and grants of up to £100,000 to businesses in eligible sectors.

This grant can be used to install solar panels, biomass boilers, air and ground source heat pumps, and more.

There is also advice and grant funding up to £30,000 available for businesses developing and bringing to market a low carbon innovation product or service that helps others to be green.

Full European Regional Development Funding (ERDF) eligibility criteria applies.

To find out more, visit: www.business-central.co.uk/locop