Regional Support
For Business support we recommend that you start by visiting the business link website.
If you are looking for support in your local area, you may find the following links and programmes helpful.
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European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), aimed at economic regeneration projects promoted primarily by the public sector, transferred to the Department for Communities and Local Government. Electronic request forms are available online.
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The Rural Development Programme for England (RDPE), to develop wider rural businesses and enhance opportunities in communities where deprivation exists, transferred to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA). Access to information details are available online.
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The Rural Economy Grant (REG) provides grants to enable a significant ‘game-changing', transformational performance in farm, forestry, tourism, agri-food businesses and micro businesses in rural areas in England. The REG handbook is available online.
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Innovation projects and R&D grants, for technological innovation projects, transferred to the Technology Strategy Board. Information requests should be directed to: FoI@tsb.gov.uk.
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Inward investment support for global help and advice can be found on the UKTI website
Other types of support that you can find on the BIS website include:
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Grants for Business Investment (GBI)
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Venture capital loan funds (VCLF)
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Access to finance
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Regional Growth Fund
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Green Investment Bank - for investment in infrastructure for a green economy and large-scale, late stage green technological innovation.
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Big Society Bank - available to social enterprises, charities and voluntary organisations to encourage investment in social change.
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Enterprise Finance Guarantee - loan guarantee scheme aimed at facilitating additional bank lending to viable SMEs with no or insufficient security to secure a normal commercial loan.
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New Enterprise Allowance - micro-loans to help unemployed people start their own business
