European Regional Development Fund
Overview
The European Regional Development Fund provides support to encourage research, development and innovation, create and grow SMEs, develop a low carbon economy and reduce the environmental risk to businesses. Investments to date have been made to accelerate the creation of a Thames Valley Science Park (£5m) and extend the life of the Berkshire Business Growth Hub, to February 2021 (£750,000).
Themes
Low Carbon
This represents approximately 20% of the ERDF funding available (£2.6m). It is provided on a match basis (50%) for projects with a total value of £1m or greater. It aims to support projects that can either: increase the renewable energy capacity in Berkshire, increase the number of SMEs that reduce their carbon emissions; or deliver innovative carbon emission reductions in the public and housing sectors.
Applicants are encouraged to attend a workshop run by the Technical Assistance service – Low Carbon Berkshire. To learn more, email: lowcarbonberkshire@reading.gov.uk
Click here for information on previous presentations (link to document library ESIF/ERDF)
Business Support
This funding (£2.3m) is to augment the Business Growth Hub service by:
- supporting SMEs to 'Scale-Up', through a strong local entrepreneurial eco-system
- helping innovative companies export/export more
- securing more Inward Investment into the area.
Protecting the Environment
This funding (£242,000) is for investments in green and blue infrastructure, and actions that support the provision of eco-system services on which businesses and communities depend - to increase local natural capital and support sustainable economic growth.
How to apply
Click here for more information and to apply.