Funding streams open for D2N2 Digital Growth Programme
Organisations across Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire can now apply for grants of up to £16,000 to improve their digital capabilities.
A grant scheme has been set up through the D2N2 Digital Growth Programme, which aims to help enterprises with growth aspirations to maximise their use of existing technology or explore and introduce new and emerging ICT products.
Grants of between £2,000 and £16,000 are available to organisations registered to take part in the scheme. The grants are for 40% of the total cost up to the £16,000 maximum and must be match-funded by the applicant organisation for the balance.
The overall aim will be to encourage and improve competitiveness and productivity.
The grant scheme is being delivered by a partnership including East Midlands Chamber, Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire County Councils and Nottingham City Council.
Diane Simpson, Deputy Chief Executive at East Midlands Chamber, who is also the Chamber’s lead on the project, said:-
“Knowing the true value of digital technology and understanding what is right for your enterprise can be a daunting challenge, making it all too easy to miss out on opportunities for improvement.
“The programme we’re delivering will help organisations across Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire to explore new ICT products and introduce them in their workplaces to help make them more competitive and more productive.”
Adrian Smith, Nottinghamshire County Council’s Corporate Director – Place, said:-
“There is a growing and rapid need for UK businesses to make sure they are digitally aware and capable so that they will be best-placed to capitalise on the global opportunities awaiting them in a post-Brexit economy.
“This programme provides all the expertise available, providing real foundations for future growth. We would encourage businesses to make the most of this great opportunity to stay ahead of the game.”
The grant scheme forms part of the D2N2 Digital Growth Programme, which will see up to £7.25m of funding invested into the local economy by 2019.
The two-year programme will deliver 360 action-planning workshops, an annual digital conference, dedicated digital business advice, workforce development skills advice and a £1.8m technology grant scheme managed by the local authorities.
At least 2,380 businesses will be engaged with, resulting in 852 businesses receiving intensive support, the creation of 69 new businesses and 639 businesses introducing new digital products or processes.
The programme is being funded by the Chamber, Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire County Councils, Nottingham and Derby City Councils, Ruschcliffe Borough Council, Nottingham’s Creative Quarter Company, D2N2 and the European Regional Development Fund.
Any business interested in finding out more about the D2N2 Digital Growth Programme grants, which are subject to eligibility criteria, should, in the first instance, visit and register at www.ebusinessclub.biz/technology-grants.
