The Digital Innovation Grant is open for a new round of applications, closing again at midday on Monday 28 February.
The Digital Innovation Grant programme supports Small and Medium sized enterprises (SMEs) and can include eligible charities and social enterprises, in South Yorkshire to develop their use of digital technology.
By exploiting digital technologies, businesses can access new markets, promote their products and services more effectively and develop new cost-effective ways of working. Examples of typical projects include client relationship management systems, new software developments, development of apps, e-commerce solutions and live high quality video streaming.
The funding is not available solely to support a technology refresh, applicants must clearly evidence how the grant can add value to their business and help them grow and exploit new opportunities.
The scheme aims to enhance the digital capabilities of SMEs by raising their confidence in the use of digital technologies and will support them to increase their levels of productivity and competitiveness to achieve business growth.
The Digital Innovation Grant will be delivered through a competitive process. Following the call for applications, completed applications will be assessed for eligibility, then ranked according to a number of economic and inclusive growth indicators.
Councillor Paul Turpin, Executive Member for Inclusive Economy, Jobs and Skills, said: “Digital skills and technology have proved a lifeline for many of our businesses throughout the pandemic, we’ve seen so many display their creativity and innovation by transforming their ways of working to adapt to new ways of living and the fast pace of digital advancement.
“We recognise that it can be hard, particularly for smaller businesses, to fully understand and utilise the power of digital technologies, so this funding along with the support available from our Business Sheffield team, will be vital in helping them grow and fulfil their potential.
“I would encourage all those interested to check eligibility, reach out for our support and advice, and get applying now.”
Funding and application details
- The funding is available towards projects of no more than £10,000
- Up to 50% of the value of an investment may be awarded
- Successful applicants will receive a minimum award of £1,000, up to a maximum of £5,000
- Applications close on Monday 28 February 2022
- Applications will be assessed by Friday 18 of March 2022
- Applicants will receive a decision by Friday 1 of April 2022
The Digital Innovation Grant Programme is funded by the European Regional Development Fund and for South Yorkshire, is managed and delivered by Barnsley Council.
Businesses can find out more and apply for a grant via the website for Enterprising Barnsley see: https://www.enterprisingbarnsley.co.uk/digital-innovation-grants/
Business Sheffield’s team of Business Advisors can support businesses to develop their application and make the most of a grant. Contact the team at BusinessSheffield@sheffield.gov.uk, or call 0114 224 5000.
Previous rounds have shown that businesses who access this support from Business Sheffield have a higher chance of success as they better understand how to prepare and submit a compelling application. The support is free and provided on a one-to-one basis for all eligible organisations.
It is expected that applications will open again in May 2022, August 2022 and November 2022, at the discretion of Barnsley Council and subject to available funding.
