Funding and Financial Support

Access to finance is recognised as one of the key barriers to growth in companies. The following outlines some of the support available to business.

Derby City Business Security Grant

Derby City businesses can receive help in combating business crime and enhancing the external appearance of the premises.  Visits will take place at the business premises and Groundwork Derby and Derbyshire, usually along with Derbyshire Constabulary's Business Crime Prevention Officer, will work with the business to identify areas that could be improved.  There is a grant available toward the cost of the works, normally a 50% grant upto £1,000 per business which must be match funded by the business.

For further information contact tina.boddington@groundwork.org.uk or you can telephone Tina on 01773 539430.

Grant for Business Investment (GBI)

www.emda.org.uk/gbi/minisite/
The GBI is available for the acquisition of key assets such as buildings, machinery and equipment and to help create or safeguard new jobs. The grant supports around 10 - 15% of a projects total expenditure, there is a minimum application amount of £10,000 and levels of investment can be significant; calculated on the number of jobs created and sustained.

The Growth Investment Network

www.ginem.co.uk
The Growth Investment Network are a not for profit organisation sponsored by the East Midlands Development Agency and funded by members' subscriptions.  Together with the members they form a powerful network of support helping entrepreneurs get their business propositions ready for investment.  Further information can be obtained via their website above.

Grants for Research and Development

www.emda.org.uk/grd/
This Solutions for Business product provides grants to help businesses carry out research and development work that will lead to technologically innovative products or processes.  There are 4 types of grant available aimed at supporting different types of research and development projects: proof of market grants, research grants, micro development grants and development grants.

New Technology Initiative (NTI)

www.eastmidlandsnti.co.uk/

The NTI can make grants of upto £10,000 (50% matched) available to SME comapnies, including those in the performance engineering sector to purchase equipment for innovation and for improving workforce skills.

East Midlands Innovation

www.eminnovation.org.uk/ 
East Midlands Innovation - the Regional Science and Industry Council - has been establishedto coordinate investment in innovation for the maximum benefit of the regional economy.  A Regional Strategy and Action Plan (RIS) sets out how this is being achieved through specific support services and products aimed at innovative and potentially innovative businesses.