Top Ten Tips for Applicants
We are currently supporting over 40 projects which cover a variety of business sectors and organisational sizes with match funded grants ranging from just £3000 to £170,000. The following 'Top Ten Tips' should be read in conjunction with the 'Guidance Notes for Expressions of Interest Form' (see right hand menu) and will help both you and us to objectively assess the potential of your project:
- Ensure that all necessary planning and other statutory consents are in place.
- Obtain three 'like for like' quotes to demonstrate 'market testing'.
- Provide evidence of matched funding e.g. bank statements, other funder letters, bank loan letters.
- Demonstrate that the project could not take place without the grant money, as evidenced through accounts, borrowings, working capital needs, cash flows, bank rejection letters etc.
- Develop a realistic and strong 'Business Case' including timescales for spend and delivery and showing the project's financial impact on the business.
- Include any wider benefits, such as improvements to local supply chains, better environmental biodiversity, access to new markets, job creation, reduced imports,collaberation with other users, etc.
- Consider the viability and sustainability of the project - it should have at least a minimum five year 'life'.
- Include clear and relevant objectives for the project covering the short, medium and long term.
- Show that you are aware of any threats or risks relating to the project, including any likely competitive response.
- Demonstrate that you have robust and adaptable administrative systems and financial controls in place.
Please note that the inclusion of all of the above does not automatically guarantee that you will be offered a grant however it will increase the likelihood that your proposal will be considered as part of a competitive bidding process.