Who can take part?

Applicants will need to meet the following criteria:

• Is headquartered locally in the Freeport East area of northern Essex and south-east Suffolk and is a UK-owned business. You can download a list of eligible postcodes here.
• Is a going concern or if pre-revenue can demonstrate sufficient liquidity to continue operating for the duration of the project without relying on raising new funds.
• Can demonstrate sufficient resources to support the project in terms of oversight and management (we therefore do not anticipate sole traders or very early-stage companies being eligible for the scheme unless they have secured seed funding).
• Has the freedom to operate and the authority to deploy resources and make significant changes to the business (we therefore do not anticipate franchisees being eligible for the scheme).
• Demonstrates sufficient commitment to innovation and openness to change to maximise the opportunity.
• Shows potential for growth and can demonstrate a business case for the intervention proposed.
• Can clearly articulate the challenge or opportunity that the project addresses.

We’re especially interested in hearing from companies in clean energy, logistics, manufacturing, and digital tech sectors.

Participant companies will be selected by a panel including Freeport East, University of Essex and at least one external representative.

Applications will need to demonstrate:

• A relevant cyber security focus area for the partnership (we can help you scope this)
• Adequate resources to fully engage with the project (staff time, access to facilities)
• Appetite for innovation and growth
• Potential commercial impacts which could be achieved through innovation
• Societal or other benefits that could be achieved through innovation
• A nominated business champion for the project with access to relevant resources

If you'd like to find out more or talk to a member of our team about your business's eligibility, complete our expression of interest form here.