ERDF NEWS

ERDF fifth bidding round now open

The fifth bidding round under the London ERDF Operational Programme has now launched. It aims to select projects that will help businesses in London to innovate, be more eco-efficient, access finance and new markets. http://www.london.gov.uk/erdf/applying-funding

£20 million is available for projects under Priorities 1 and 2 of the London ERDF Operational Programme. ERDF will fund up to 50% of the project costs. Applicants must request a minimum of £500,000 ERDF for this bidding round. Only revenue funded projects are eligible.

To be considered for funding, applicants must clearly demonstrate that their proposed activities meet the criteria set out in the Round 5 Prospectus and that their proposals are in line with the aims and objectives of ERDF Priorities 1 and 2:

Priority 1 - Business innovation & research, and promoting eco-efficiency

Theme 1 – Develop a culture of, and capacity for, creating and using innovation throughout London 's businesses to create sustainable economic growth

Theme 2 - Leverage value from London 's world class knowledge base to benefit London 's economy

Priority 2 – Access to new markets and access to finance

Theme 1 – Enabling access to appropriate investment finance to support innovation and growth; and

Theme 2 - Improving SMEs' access to new market opportunities.

Who can apply for funding?

Any organisation that is legally constituted can develop proposals and apply for funding. Examples include:

• local authorities
• statutory or non-statutory public funded bodies
• voluntary/community organisations
• some private sector organisations (subject to eligibility rules and state aid compliance).

Please note: ERDF is not paid directly to profit-making private sector organisations. It is deemed that public funding (ERDF) is not required as the organisation can be supported by its profit. Private companies limited by guarantee are eligible. Private organisations limited by shares are not eligible but can act as strategic partners or match-funders to a project.

Is my project eligible?

Applicants must refer to the Round 5 Prospectus and to the London Operational Programme before completing an application.  The Round 5 Prospectus sets out what type of activity is eligible for support. Given the high level of interest in the fund, and that this is a competitive bidding process, not all applications will be selected for funding.

The closing date for the submission of the project outline application forms is 12 noon on 21 October 2011.

Workshop

A workshop for potential applicants will be held at the Greater London Authority on 20 September 2011 (14.00 - 16.00) to exchange ideas and facilitate partnership building.  Please contact EPMU at erdf@london.gov.uk to request a place by 15 September 2011.

More information including all the application literature can be accessed at http://www.london.gov.uk/erdf/applying-funding