Grants up for grabs for Bolton’s innovative businesses

• Grants of up to £5,000 available to help SMEs bring their ideas for new products and services to market.
• Firms can tap into expertise from Greater Manchester’s world leading universities
• Local road sweeping firm UBU used scheme to turn “waste problem” into “resource opportunity”
• The Business Growth Hub has also launched its #HereForBusiness support package this month helping local businesses to manage the increasing cost of doing business.

Innovative businesses in Bolton are being urged to apply for grant funding to bring their new product or service to market. Firms with a big idea can get match funding of up to £5,000 via the GC Business Growth Hub, as well as support from a local university or research facility.Innovation Vouchers are up for grabs by local small and medium sized businesses (less than 250 employees) with ambitions to grow.

All that’s needed is an innovative plan for a new product or service - and a willingness to invest £1 for every £1 in grant funding.Grants of between £3,000 and £5,000 are available, with the programme open for applications between now and the end of the year.Companies can use the funding for research and development, to access facilities or equipment and to take forward product design. Support with knowledge transfer and consultancy is also available.

To find out more and apply for an Innovation Voucher, visit: https://www.businessgrowthhub.com/innovation/services/funding.

Dharma Nurse, Senior Innovation Development Manager at GC Business Growth Hub said: “The Innovation Vouchers scheme is a fantastic opportunity for businesses in Greater Manchester to take their growth ambitions to the next level. Our local business community is brimming with ideas - and all many of them need is a helping hand to turn their dreams into reality.

“Investing in innovation isn’t always easy however, despite the R&D tax incentives which are available. Also, funding isn’t the only requirement - being able to tap into expertise and support is also vital and that’s where the Innovation Vouchers come in.”

Find Out More: Funding | GC Business Growth Hub