Here's our latest roundup of the grants and funds for businesses that are still available.
Foundation for Women in Enterprise
The Foundation for Women in Enterprise provides small grants to women-led organisations, in order to support access to professional services, training and equipment. If you are successful, the foundation typically awards grants of around £250. The next deadline for applications is April 14th.
The North East Core Funding Programme comes from the Greggs Foundation, and 'makes grants to organisations in the Counties of Northumberland, Tyne and Wear, Durham and Teesside to support core running costs'. If you're a charity that supports disadvantaged people, you could get £15,000 per year for up to three years.
This program has recently been relaunched, and supports rural businesses, farming and forestry, culture and heritage, rural tourism and rural services. They are requesting funding applications for projects which focus on 'job creation and business growth'. You could receive 40% of the project's total eligible costs.
The University of Sunderland’s Graduate Internship Scheme
If your business is within the North East Local Enterprise Partnership area, you can receive up to £6000 when you hire a graduate. You must be a business to business SME, and work in the private sector. Email the University for more information.
Innovation Program - Read our original post here
This fund is available for businesses who have an innovative idea that will encourage business growth. SMEs must be based in the North East and be investment ready. Successful applicants will have up to 40% of their project funded, and gain access to industry experts, suppliers and independent advice.
This programme offers loans to businesses, which can be used to ''grow your business, take on new staff or manage cashflow''. Funding Circle offer loans from £5,000 - £1 million, and offer free early repayment. Just fill in the online form to see if you're eligible.
Manufacturing Growth Programme
This pilot programme is running until June 2017, and is aimed at manufacturing SMEs in Durham, Tyne and Wear and Northumberland. It hopes to help businesses, 'assess and identify barriers to growth, and work with them to improve business performance and increase sales.' Just fill in the questionnaire to get started.
Northstar Ventures funds - Read our original post
The previously mentioned accelerator fund and proof of concept fund from Northstar Ventures seem to have finished, but if you are looking for investment they are still accepting business proposals. Read the guidelines for submitting a proposal here.
EU calls for proposals - Read our original post (This post is about EU proposals which have now ended)
At time of writing, the EU are calling for proposals for four projects. Businesses that qualify could receive up to 75% of their eligible costs. If you're interested in these proposals, there's a free European Funding Information Event at the Metrocentre on Wednesday 29th March promoting these opportunities.
Shell LiveWIRE Smarter Future Awards - Read our original post
Shell run a competition every month, where businesses could win £5000 towards a project which helps the UK become more sustainable. This month's closes on March 31st, with the next competition opening at the beginning of April.
Knowledge Transfer Fund - Read our original post
This fund is still running and offers support when you hire a graduate. The next closing date for submissions is April 12th.
AGE 16-24 - Read our original post
If you're thinking about hiring an apprentice this fund is still available, with this intake ending on April 7th. There is still a dedicated site for apprentices in Tees Valley.
North East Business Support Fund - Read our original post
This fund is running until the end of 2017, and offers up to £2800 towards your next business venture. You can apply online, and the process should only take 15 minutes. There are still dedicated offers for businesses in County Durham.
R&D Tax Credits - Read our original post
You can still claim tax relief if a project you're running aims to advance science or technology. The tax relief on allowable R&D costs is currently at 230%.
If you know of a fund or grant that we should be talking about, get in touch with us at 0191 482 044
