DTI
Grant for Investigating an Innovative Idea
Location National
Dates

Programme end: 31 March 2007
Applications can be made at any time.
A decision will be made, and the applicant informed, within 10 days of receipt of a fully documented application

Aims

Objective of the funding opportunity: To help businesses or individuals who have an idea to develop an innovative product, process or service, but are not sure whether they are ready to take it forward successfully. Businesses and individuals will identify what they need to do to succeed with their innovative idea by undertaking a diagnostic analysis with a chosen mentor prior to submitting an application.

The diagnostic will highlight weaknesses or barriers to successful implementation of the innovative idea and will form the basis of the application for grant. The grant, if approved, will reimburse some of the costs of the project mentor and consultant(s).

It aims to help the following client groups:
Entrepreneurs
Those who work for small firms

FRESA priorities The funding opportunity fits with the following FRESA priorities:

Medium priorities:
Innovation
Enterprise



More information on the FRESA
Eligibility Eligible Organisations:  Existing SMEs and individuals who wish to start trading.
For further details of eligibility criteria see the
Guidance Notes
Accreditation Organisations must have the following accreditation to bid: No accreditation is needed
Amount available Funding available: The grant will be 75% of the project mentor and consultancy costs on the condition that the business spends at least twice as many days working on the project as the mentor and expert consultant(s).

The maximum grant will be £12,000 but only the largest and most complex projects will be approved at this level. Most grants will be between £2,500 and £7,000.

Application

How to apply for this funding : Applicants can apply for a grant once they have found a mentor and identified suitable consultants. Further details of the application process can be found on page 8 of the Guidance Notes.

You will need the following documents to apply :
Guidance Notes
Application form

Contact

For further information contact:  

Department of Trade and Industry
Bay 712
Kingsgate House
66-74 Victoria Street
London
SW1E 6SW
Tel: 020 7215 8671
Fax: 020 7215 4002
E-mail: innovative.idea@dti.gov.uk
www.dti.gov.uk//innovative-idea/

Weblinks

Other useful websites:
Research and Development Grants - www.businesslink.org
Knowledge Transfer Partnerships - www.ktponline.org.uk