New funding calculator—are you eligible?

If you’re looking for business grants, loans or equity funding, Yorkshire Forward’s new online calculator will make it all a lot easier. Find out exactly what you’re entitled to apply for before you go to the trouble of filling out any forms.

Why is the calculator so useful?

For the first time, it brings together information on all the public-sector funds which can be accessed through Yorkshire Forward.

What does the calculator do?

It takes you through a series of simple, step-by-step questions (such as “what sector are you in?”, “what are you looking to fund?” and “where are you located?”) to help you find out right away which funding programmes you’re eligible for. That means you don’t have to go to the trouble of completing extensive applications forms for programmes for which you aren’t even eligible.

What sort of organisations can use it?

You can be anything from a sole trader to a big business. And it’s just as useful whether you want to start up or expand your business, invest in R&D, build overseas trade, or if you're in a rural area.

How do I access the calculator?

The calculator can be accessed at www.yorkshire-forward.com/funding

What kind of funding is available?

• R&D funding—R&D grants are funded by the government and the EU, helping businesses innovate to improve productivity, competitiveness and growth.
• Rural funding—Rural funding is provided by the government and the EU, helping rural businesses and communities with their socioeconomic activities.
• Business grants—Most manufacturing businesses are eligible to apply for a grant for business investment, as are service providers which supply a national market.
• Equity finance - Sometimes the best way to start up or grow is to bring in external investment in exchange for a share of the business. We can help entrepreneurs and small companies understand and look for equity funding, and put them in touch with investors.
• Innovation vouchers - Funded by Yorkshire Forward and delivered by Business Link Yorkshire, the Innovation Voucher Scheme helps SMEs link up with Yorkshire & Humber’s academic institutions in order to grow and develop their businesses.

Can you get approval online?

No—what you’ll get is information about the grants for which you’re eligible. This removes the frustration of putting together lengthy applications for funding… only to discover you didn’t fit the basic criteria in the first place.

Why has Yorkshire Forward created this calculator?

We administer several awards schemes on behalf of funders such as HM Government and the European Commission. However, our research has shown us that many businesses are still unaware of the full range and extent of public-sector funding available—and even if they are aware, many shy away from the complex process of applying. We want businesses to keep investing, so they can hit the ground running when the economy picks up again.

Want to find out more?

Further information on funding programmes can be found in the Access to Finance section of the Business Link Yorkshire website.