ICT Investment Fund
A new £1m fund was launched in 2006 to help Merseyside businesses maximise the potential of technology. All small businesses (SMEs) in the region are eligible.
The scheme is funded by ERDF through the Objective One programme and is being managed by Liverpool Chamber of Commerce, following on from the success of the MerseyBroadband project.
The £1m fund, administered by John Blades, has been set up to help Merseyside businesses maximise the potential of technology.
John said: “All small businesses in the region are eligible to apply for the fund. They need to show how technology can revolutionise the competitiveness of their business to qualify for up to 40% of the cost.”
John continued: “Investment in ICT can enable business in Merseyside to remain competitive in the national and global marketplace. This fund represents a huge advantage to local businesses. By championing and supporting those companies who can demonstrate a real step change in their competitiveness through ICT, we are hoping to spread that message as well as growing the local economy.”
The fund will support anything from innovations in business systems to new infrastructure improvements, awards will be between £10,000 and £25,000 with the businesses contributing 60% of the total cost.
For more information see the website http://www.ict-invest.info/ or contact John Blades at john.blades@liverpoolchamber.org.uk
The fund is the latest in a portfolio of major investments by Objective One aimed at helping Merseyside SMEs grasp the opportunity of the digital economy. Others include Business Link’s Best Practice programme, AIMES, MerseyBroadband, the Digital Academy and SkillWorks. Community programmes have included 3TC, the Connect-to-Libraries programme and Blackburne House’s i-Will Development programme.
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The reality is that many start up companies only want to invest between £1k to £10k in ICT. Therefore, this fund excludes start up companies. Two of my clients who would clearly benefit from funding are in the manufacturing industry and are creating employment in what is described as one of Liverpool’s most deprived areas. What a shame that they are expected to spend such a high amount on their IT infrastructure to get going.
Amanda Shaw - Frustrated Company Director
WiFi Solutions UK Ltd
Hi Amanda,
The reason for the high threshold for entry into this programme was that it was designed for bigger, established companies from the outset. At that time, (we’re going back a couple of years now) there were already smaller grant schemes available for start-up companies through Business Link Merseyside (as it was then, now Business Link North West).
This scheme has pretty much finished now, but I know that partners are trying to secure funding for a follow-on programme, which should cater for all sizes of companies.
Rich
Hi Rich
Thanks for your reply which I appreciate. It will be great if additional funding becomes available.
I will look for the possible follow on programme and if you hear anything perhaps you can let me know.
Best wishes
Amanda
http://www.letsgowifi.co.uk
Amanda,
Don’t worry, as soon as I hear anything it’ll be posted here.
Rich