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Enterprise Capital Funds

On 13th November 2006 the then Minister for Industry, Margaret Hodge MBE, MP announced the launch of a second round competition for Enterprise Capital Funds (ECFs). This follows a successful start to the Enterprise Capital Fund programme and the Chancellor of the Exchequer's announcement in Budget 06 that he was making an extra £100m available.

Current Status

The second Enterprise Capital Fund bidding round closed on 28 February 2007. Thirty fund proposals were received in this round and each bidder will be advised of their bid's status in due course.

As the funds are awarded details will appear here.

The Selection Process

The detailed selection criteria are set out in the Bidding Guidance. It is envisaged that those bidders whose initial bids appear to meet this criteria best will be invited to meet the ECF selection team in the Enterprise Directorate. That meeting will offer a chance to fine tune bids or to provide further supporting evidence. Following these meetings a shortlist of bidders will be invited to provide the further documentary evidence and any other information set out in section 5 of the Bidding Guidance.

As before, the Capital for Enterprise Board advise the Secretary of State in the fund selection process.

Prospective bidders only can also contact the ECF team on enterprise@berr.gsi.gov.uk. Please note that requests for business advice, investment or other support cannot be answered. Businesses looking for such advice should contact their local Business Link.

Enterprise Capital Fund Seminar - The second round

On 30th January 2007 the ECF team held a seminar for potential ECF managers.  The seminar was very well attended and included a presentation focusing on changes to the bidding process since the pathfinder round.  Interested parties can download the Seminar presentation below (19 pages).