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SFI - How to Apply

SFI applications are administered by the RDAs   If you consider your project needs financial assistance in order go to ahead in the Assisted Areas, you should first consult your nearest Business Link or RDA about eligibility. If, after this, you want to apply, you will need to submit:

• a completed application form;
• financial appendices;
• the company's latest audited or management accounts (and group's, if applicable);
• your business plan

Larger grant applications

Where assistance requested is £2 million or more, further information will be required in addition to that required by the application form in order to undertake a full economic appraisal of the project. Please contact your nearest RDA to discuss further.

Appraisal time-scale

The target time taken for decisions on applications, from the date of receipt of a fully completed application (including all specified financial information) is 30 days. Larger more complex cases may take longer than this to appraise.

Appraisal Officers may discuss the project with the applicant or their advisers to seek clarification on further details, and may wish to visit the project location.

Grants are normally released in instalments upon achievement of capital expenditure and job targets which are set out in the formal offer of grant assistance. The targets will be agreed with applicants during the appraisal negotiation and are generally arranged to coincide with the expected progress of the project. All SFI grants are taxable.