The University of the West of England (UWE) is launching a £1million fund to help businesses in the Bristol and Bath region with projects that address challenges caused by Covid-19.
The Digital Innovation Fund will provide grants to small and medium-sized companies (SMEs) of between £10,000 and £40,000 to finance 35 per cent of project costs.
The scheme is being funded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and is open to businesses in any sector.
Applicants must be SMEs and based in Bristol, Bath and North East Somerset, North Somerset or South Gloucestershire.
Martin Boddy, pro vice chancellor for research and enterprise, said: “UWE Bristol is delighted to open its Digital Innovation Fund.
“Any SME in the area that is undertaking a digital innovation or research and development project should consider applying.
“We are offering a sliding scale of grants, from £10k to £40k, so hopefully there is a funding option for a range of businesses – from start-ups and micro enterprises, to more established organisations.
“The application process is straightforward and UWE Bristol staff are available to provide hands-on support through a series of confidential one-to-one drop-in sessions.”
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UWE said it had given £2million of grants to businesses in the West of England, which have created more than 150 new jobs and more than 100 new products and services.
Professor Boddy added: “We are looking forward to this new fund delivering similar benefits to the local economy, and helping individual SMEs to innovate and grow.
“In a time of unprecedented change, UWE Bristol is proud of the role it can play to support the region’s SMEs in responding to the pandemic and financial crisis.”
The deadline for applications is midday on July 8. To apply, visit www.digitalinnovationfund.moonfruit.com