New funding scheme to support SMEs with R&D projects in Swindon and Wiltshire
UWE Bristol is launching a new round of Innovation 4 Growth, a funding programme that supports SMEs in Swindon and Wiltshire undertaking innovative research and development (R&D) projects. Businesses can apply for grants of £10,000 to £40,000 to help their projects, with the programme covering 35% of project costs.
Funded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and delivered by UWE Bristol, Innovation 4 Growth is open to projects from all sectors, creating new products, new services and new jobs in the region. Applicants must be SMEs and based in Swindon & Wiltshire.
Once their grant application is successful, businesses can access dedicated support from a team of experts at UWE Bristol to help them develop project ideas and submit grant applications.
The programme is to host a series of free training workshops in Swindon and Wiltshire to support businesses to develop innovative products, processes, technologies, and services. The training is suitable for SMEs at any stage that wants to innovate and grow their businesses.
Professor Martin Boddy, Pro Vice-Chancellor for Research and Enterprise at UWE Bristol, said: “We are excited to be able to bring Innovation 4 Growth to Swindon & Wiltshire and look forward to working with the region’s SMEs. This programme aims to support companies to realise their potential through innovation and R&D. The Innovation 4 Growth programme in the West of England has supported hundreds of companies, giving out £1.5m of grants and creating 130 jobs.”
Paddy Bradley, Swindon and Wiltshire Local Enterprise Partnership CEO said of the scheme: “SMEs are the beating heart of our local economy and we welcome this effective grant funding programme to the area. Targeting innovation through funding research and development programmes will help elevate our region through job creation, skills development and new-to-market products. I am looking forward to seeing the work that comes out of this exciting programme.”
The deadline for completed applications is midday on 16 June 2021. Register your interest for an application form and one-to-one support at www.innovation4growth.co.uk.
UWE Bristol is also currently running a separate funding scheme for SMEs in Gloucestershire that want to apply for grant funding to scale up. SMEs in the West of England can access free Digital Support from UWE Bristol.
Related news
11 December 2024
UWE Bristol alum develops flatpack wood stove to heat homes damaged in conflict
A UWE Bristol alum has designed a flatpack wood burning stove which will provide a vital heat source for people whose homes have been damaged in areas of conflict across the world.
28 November 2024
Entrepreneur and advocate for workplace equality awarded honorary degree by UWE Bristol
Dr Zara Nanu MBE, an innovator in addressing workplace inequalities and tackling the gender pay gap, has been awarded an honorary degree by UWE Bristol.
21 November 2024
Crypto-trader training platform among eight graduate businesses to receive funding boost
A platform that trains people to trade cryptocurrency safely is one of eight graduate businesses to have received funding through UWE Bristol’s Entrepreneurial Futures Award.
20 November 2024
Innovative university-business partnership to power economic growth and devolution for the West of England
A new centre created by the University of Bath with UWE Bristol and Futures West will pioneer new approaches to economic research and data analysis for the West of England.
29 July 2024
Student who dedicated his time at university to helping disabled people graduates
A student who has dedicated his time at UWE Bristol to helping people with disabilities has graduated.
21 May 2024
Growth for tech innovation in Bristol as Future Space expands
UWE Bristol’s award-winning innovation centre, Future Space, has opened its doors to 10,000 square feet of brand-new office and laboratory facilities.
18 January 2024
The new programme powering upskilling across the West of England
UWE Bristol have launched a new programme aimed at upskilling workers across the West of England, which aims make it easier to access the knowledge and expertise to boost their careers.
14 December 2023
'Wearable bodyguard' among ten new businesses by young entrepreneurs to receive funding boost
A business developing a ‘wearable bodyguard’ for safer solo journeys is among 10 growing businesses that have received a vital boost, thanks to funding donated by UWE Bristol alum Peter Fane.
04 December 2023
Prestigious fellowship awarded to UWE Bristol academic to fund development of music technology
A UWE Bristol professor has been awarded a fellowship which will fund the development of a radically new approach to digital musical instrument design.
15 August 2023
Former inmates to benefit from enterprise education course shown to reduce reoffending and boost employment
UWE Bristol has successfully secured funding from the City & Guilds Foundation to deliver enterprise education to previously incarcerated people.
16 May 2023
UWE Bristol expands support for start-ups with new incubation facilities
UWE Bristol has transformed its incubation space on campus, bringing together two technology incubators into one area.
20 April 2023
UWE Bristol's award-winning green skills programme returns for 2023
Applications are now open for the transformational Green Skills for Jobs and Entrepreneurship programme.