The Government has announced a new £2 million investment grant designed to help UK tech start-ups bring new ideas to market.
According to the report, published by Innovate UK and UK Research and Innovation, the fund will help to bridge a “productivity gap” that exists between the UK and international competitors.
The fund will be available to tech-focused businesses to “prove and test ideas” that enable small businesses to become more productive.
This could include technologies such as cloud computing, mobile technology and e-purchasing.
As of January, the Government has allocated funds to two projects. The first involving AI technologies, such as chatbots, to improve customer experiences in the retail and hospitality sector, and the second supporting greater digitisation in dairy farming.
With up to £60,000 available per project, this is a fantastic opportunity for fledgling entrepreneurs to fast-track their products to market.
Commenting on the scheme, Small Business Minister, Kelly Tolhurst said: “Small businesses are the backbone of our economy. As part of our modern Industrial Strategy, we are supporting them with new investments to boost their productivity and ensure they can continue to thrive in the future.”
Eligibility and applications
Qualifying projects must look at how SMEs can become more productive through one or more of the following:
- adopting tried-and-tested technologies, such as accountancy, CRM, HR and payment systems
- adopting modern business practices
- improving the use of technologies and practices already active within the business
Specific considerations might also include:
- addressing information failures and improving awareness of relevant technologies and practices
- building the confidence of SMEs on the application of these technologies and practices
- offering advisory services through trusted advisors, supply chains and informal peer-to-peer networks
- exploring how using complementary technologies and practices can affect adoption
- comparing lower cost, scalable interventions with more intensive types of support
- exploring specific characteristics and issues SMEs may face, such as within family-run firms
BJ Chong, a Partner with Palmers who specialises in company law, commented: “This announcement is exactly the sort of positive news that tech start-ups need and provides a fantastic opportunity for entrepreneurs in our region to obtain vital additional seed money.
“Good legal advice in the early days remains crucial and at Palmers we have helped countless new business start-ups with a range of legal support including sorting out company formation, shareholder agreements, contract terms, leasing premises, employment contracts and intellectual property advice.”
For further information on all aspects of legal advice for entrepreneurs, new business start-ups and SMEs, please contact us.
The deadline for funding applications closes at midday on 17 April 2019. For more information, please click here.