Government research and development grants[RDG] UK

Who is a government research ann development grant for?

Individuals planning to start a business, new start-ups or established businesses with an innovative proposal to either develop a pre-production prototype or to conduct research that moves a concept closer to commercial realisation.

What are the criteria for the Research and development business grants?

• The enterprise must be an SME and within any size limits for one of the types of grant specified below
• The level of technological innovation, project risk and the IPR position
• The project must be carried out primarily within the West Midlands region
• It must be demonstrated that grant is necessary for the project to proceed
• Applicants must show how the balance of funding will be provided
• Management abilities and the skills of the project team should be evidenced
• Market need and commercial exploitation prospects should be demonstrated
• Wider issues such as environmental and social benefits will be considered.

Five types of business grant

There are five types of business grant available:

• Business Proof of Market Grant: to test the commercial potential of an innovative idea or new technology. Projects to last up to 9 months and available to any SME (having less than 250 employees and either less than €50m sales or less than €43m of asset value). Grants are 60 per cent of actual project costs and the maximum grant is £20,000. Within this region and only until March 2010, applicants may consider that an application to the Advantage Proof of Concept fund may give them a improved level of support. See

• Business Micro Development Grant: small scale development projects lasting up to 12 months in Micro enterprises (those having less than 10 employees and either less than €2m sales or less than €2m of asset value). Grants are 45 per cent of actual project costs and the maximum grant is £20,000.

• Business Research Grant: to produce new scientific or technical knowledge, projects lasting 6-18 months in Micro or Small businesses (those having less than 50 employees and either less than €10m sales or less than €10m of asset value). Grants are 60 per cent of project costs. The minimum grant is £20,000 and the maximum £100,000.

• Business Development Grant: to develop a pre-production product or process prototype, projects lasting 6-36 months in an SME (those having less than 250 employees and either less than €50m sales or less than €43m of asset value). Grants are 40 per cent of project costs in Micro or Small businesses, and 35 per cent in larger (Medium) SMEs. The minimum grant is £20,000 and the maximum £250,000.

• Exceptional Business Grants: in strategically important sectors such as biotechnology and low carbon energy technologies, the research and development grants as otherwise described above, may have extended grant limits of £250,000 and £500,000 respectively. Potential applicants should contact us before commencing the preparation of an exceptional grant bid.

How we can help you obtain a business development grant

The process of securing funding through a Business development Grant can seem very daunting and you may be put off by the time it will take away from running your business.

Central Financial Services will go through the following process to help you:

Initial review meeting to assess suitability
Request for documentation
Completion of application
Submission of application

At all stages of the grant application you will be kept informed of the progress.

Central Financial Services will liaise with all relevant parties on your behalf as part of the application, helping to minimise your involvement, leaving you time to spend on running your business.

As part of our grant application service, if you require we will also look at other areas of your business were we may be able to give advice to ensure your business and people are suitably protected.

Within our Business Grant pages you will be able to find out about the grants that we can assist you with.

Simply click on the sector for more information:

Central Financial Services are also able to help you with Business Insurance, Shareholder Protection and Key Persons Insurance. You would not drive your car without car insurance so why risk your business without suitable cover.