DTI
The Department of Trade and Industry is responsible for trade, business, employees, consumers, science and energy. The Department is in a unique position to contribute to the wide challenge of globalisation, enabling business and employees to prosper in the UK. Their site contains a section on procurement, including contract awards and a guide for DTI supplies detailing current procurement opportunities.
The following DTI initiatives can offer help and advice:
DTI Knowledge Transfer Partnerships
Knowledge Transfer Partnerships is Europe's leading programme helping businesses to improve their competitiveness and productivity through the better use of knowledge, technology and skills that reside within the UK knowledge base. Each partnership employs one or more high calibre Associates (recently qualified people) to work on a project, which is core to the strategic development of the business.
DTI Technology Programme
The DTI Technology Programme is the combination of business support products and information that the DTI are offering business in response to the Technology Strategy. The Technology Strategy Board, comprising mainly experienced business leaders, will identify the new and emerging technologies critical to the growth of the UK economy into which government funding and activities can be directed.
Innovation, research and development grants
The different sources of government funding
Most grants have eligibility criteria covering the types of business which can apply and what the money can be used for.
UK government research and development (R&D) grants
- The Government Grant for Research and Development (R&D) is available to help individuals and small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs) who are based in England and are involved in researching and developing technologically innovative products and processes. Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland run their own equivalent schemes.See the page in this guide on the Government Grant for Research and Development.
- Grants for collaborative R&D programmes in science and technology also exist. See the page in this guide on Collaborative Research and Development.
- The Department of Health (DoH) commissions R&D programmes that are considered vital to improvements in medicine and health. Find out about support for public health, health services and social care R&D on the DoH website - Opens in a new window.
- Larger-scale projects will be evaluated by the Department for Business, Enterprise and Reform (BERR).
Your business could also be eligible for finance from an Enterprise Capital Fund. These are composed of public and private money and provide equity finance to SMEs. However, these are temporary funds and subject to specific application deadlines. Find out more about Enterprise Capital Funding on the BERR website - Opens in a new window.
European R&D Grants
The European Union (EU)-funded Framework Programme, a European Commission initiative, aims to:
- strengthen scientific and technological structures within industry
- encourage international competitiveness, while promoting research that supports other EU policies
Promotion and support for UK organisations looking to participate in a collaborative R&D project with a European partner in the specific areas supported is coordinated by the Department for Innovation, Universities and Skills (DIUS).
See the page in this guide on the EU Framework Programme.
EUREKA is a pan-European network that aims to encourage European-wide collaboration in the development of new and innovative advanced technology products, processes and services. In the UK funding may be available through UK government R&D grants. See the page in this guide on EUREKA.
Subjects covered in this guide
- Introduction
- The different sources of government funding
- The Government Grant for Research and Development
- The EU Framework Programme
- EUREKA
- Collaborative Research and Development
- Other sources of funding
- Here's how a research grant helped my business
FP7UK Support Helpline
0870 600 6080
Business Link Helpline
0845 600 9 006
Actions
- Access up-to-date information on funding opportunities at the Grants Online website (registration required) - Opens in a new window
- Search our Grants and Support Directory of grants, subsidies and advice
- Find out about support for public health, health services and social care R&D at the DoH website - Opens in a new window
- Find out about support available from the Technology Strategy Board for collaborative research and development at the Technology Strategy Board website - Opens in a new window
- Find out more about Enterprise Capital Funding on the BERR website - Opens in a new window
- Read about the 7th Framework Programme, access application details and register for updates at the FP7UK website - Opens in a new window
- Buy an online course on written communications at the learndirect business website - Opens in a new window
- Use our interactive tool to find and secure the right finance for your business needs
- Use our interactive tool to find out whether your business is eligible for research and development tax relief
- Manage your personal list of starting-up tasks with our Business start-up organiser
- View local and national events linked to this topic
Also on this site
- Grants: the basics
- Use innovation to grow your business
- Find support for inventors
- Tax reliefs and allowances for research and development
- Manage your research, design and development
- Support networks and facilities for innovation and R&D
- Work with UK universities and colleges
Enterprise Capital Funds
Enterprise Capital Funds have been established to address a market weakness in the provision of equity finance to SMEs. Government funding is used alongside private sector funds to establish funds that operate within the ‘equity gap’; targeting investments of up to £2m that have the potential to provide a good commercial return. The first five funds supported under the scheme were launched in 2006-7 following a pathfinder competition. A further three funds were awarded ECF status in 2007 and will launch in 2007-8.
As of 1 April 2008 responsibility for the management of ECFs along with BERR’s other equity funds and the Small Firms Loan Guarantee (SFLG) has been transferred to a new body, Capital for Enterprise Limited (CfEL). This change will bring about improvements in the way the funds are managed and selected but does not change the nature of the funds or their policy objectives.
Current Status
The third round competition for ECFs is now open. This third round was announced alongside Budget 2008 and publication of Enterprise: Unlocking the UK’s talent (HMT, BERR March 2008) along with confirmation that further rounds would be launched in April 2009 and 2010.
The Selection Process
The detailed selection criteria are set out in the Bidding Guidance below. This guidance is updated from that of the second round and bidders are advised to use this version when preparing bids.
It is recommended that potential bidders make contact with the selection team in CfEL prior to submitting a bid, particularly if there are aspects of the bid that are novel or if there are any questions over how the bid meets the ECF criteria.
A shortlist of bidders will be invited to provide the further documentary evidence and any other information set out in section 5 of the Bidding Guidance.
(367KB)
Prospective bidders should contact the ECF team.
Please note that requests for business advice, investment or other support cannot be answered. Businesses looking for such advice should contact their local Business Link.
Enterprise Capital Fund Seminar - The third round
On 6th February 2008 the ECF team held a seminar for potential ECF managers. The seminar was very well attended and included a presentation focusing on the bidding process for the third round.
|
| |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
