Find out if your business is eligible
We’ve kept eligibility as flexible as possible to encourage participation across sectors and company size profiles, but applicants will need to meet the following criteria:
- Is headquartered locally in Babergh or Mid Suffolk district and is a UK-owned business
- 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
Participant companies will be selected by a panel including University and District Council representatives with at least one external representative. Applications will need to demonstrate:
- 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 relevant focus area for the partnership: e.g. marketing strategy or data insights - and match with University of Essex expertise (we can help you scope this!)
- A nominated business champion for the project with access to relevant resources
For more information please contact:
Gail Tulk
Innovate to Elevate Programme Manager & Knowledge Exchange Officer
Email:
gail.tulk@essex.ac.uk
For more information please contact:
BMSDC Economic Development