Worcestershire Local Enterprise Partnership is urging the county’s entrepreneurs to make a beat-the-deadline application for innovation voucher funding.
The Innovation Vouchers programme, a Technology Strategy Board initiative, is aimed at small and medium sized businesses and offers grants of up to £5,000 to explore new ideas with a specialist knowledge provider.
Next closing date is January 23.
WLEP chairman Peter Pawsey said: “The deadline is tight but there is still time to make an application in this round – so act now!
“Innovation is the lifeblood of SMEs and this is a great opportunity for Worcestershire entrepreneurs to take a leap forward.”
Innovation Vouchers provide funding for a business to work with an external expert for the first time, gaining new knowledge to help it innovate, develop and grow. It could, for example, include advice on an innovative idea, learning more about using design or the management and use of intellectual property.
The scheme incorporates a range of expert suppliers – universities, further education colleges, research & technology organisations, technical consultancies and Catapult centres, design advisers and intellectual property advisers.
Mr Pawsey went on: “Applications go into a draw and, if successful, the business will be awarded an Innovation Voucher of up to £5,000 to work with an expert supplier of their choice.
“Start-ups and sole traders are also eligible – anyone looking to extend their knowledge network to support their new ideas. The application form is very simple and should take less than an hour to complete.”
Grants are awarded quarterly.
Further information can be found at the Innovation Vouchers Portal at www.vouchers.innovateuk.org.