Organisations have until 27 May 2016 to apply for a share of £750,000 to improve the access, quality and use of Information and Communications Technology by Worcestershire businesses.
Grants of £500,000 and above are available to extend broadband deployment and the roll-out of high-speed networks and support the adoption of emerging technologies and networks for the digital economy. Funding will also help develop local Information and Communication Technology products and services, e-commerce and enhance the demand for Information and Communications Technology.
Applicants will be assessed in two stages of the application process, the outline and full application stages, with the deadline for the initial stage application being 27 May 2016.
The European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) is part of the England 2014-2020 European Structural and Investment Funds Growth Programme (ESIF) which launched in March 2015. This call for funding is one of three separate ERDF calls currently available in Worcestershire with the other two focusing on Small and Medium Sized Enterprise Business Support and Environment and Resource Efficiency.
Gary Woodman, Executive Director of the Worcestershire Local Enterprise Partnership (WLEP), said: “This funding will improve access to technology and have a huge impact on our digital economy.”
“The funding is also a fantastic opportunity for businesses to develop new products and services and enhance their innovation and productivity. I would strongly encourage any interested parties to apply for this call for funding before the 27 May 2016 deadline.”
For further information on the European Structural and Investment Funds and to download the outline application form, visit www.gov.uk/european-growth-funding and for a direct link, visit gov.uk website. Information on all three calls currently open is available via Twitter @WorcsLEP and via www.wlep.co.uk. Worcestershire.Business.Central. can also provide support and business advice, which includes funding opportunities available within the County.