Innovation Worcestershire Grant and Support

Research and development grants supporting the development of innovative products and services.

Embracing innovation and developing new products, services or technologies can help set you apart from the competition and tap into new markets. Whether you’re looking to develop a revolutionary product or service, streamline your processes or implement new technology, the innovation support programme will be able to help you do just that.

How do I apply?

Registering for the programme is simple, all you need to do is follow these steps.

You can email: grants@worcestershire.gov.uk or click the button below:

Submit an expression of interest

A member of the Grants team will be in touch to discuss your requirements in more detail and how the programme could support your business.

Am I eligible?

To receive support and grant funding through the programme, your business must:

be a SME*
be registered to an address in Worcestershire
trading for at least 3 years
have 5 or more employees
be below the Subsidy Control threshold of £315,000 over the previous 3 years, including the value of the support
have an innovative activity taking place - new to firm products, services, technologies, or processes or have new to market products/ services

*The definition of an SME eligible for grant funding is as follows:

has fewer than 250 employees
has either (a) an annual turnover not exceeding €50 million or (b) an annual balance sheet total not exceeding €43 million
25% or more of the capital or the voting rights are not owned by one enterprise, or jointly by several enterprises falling outside this definition of an SME
does not own more than 25% of the capital or voting rights in an enterprise falling outside of this definition of SME

Excluded sectors not eligible for support include:

primary agriculture
schools
public sector funded organisations

How much grant funding is available in my area?

Funding available in your area:

Bromsgrove District £2,500 to £20,000
Malvern Hills District £2,500 to £15,000
Redditch Borough £2,500 to £20,000
Worcester City £2,500 to £15,000
Wychavon District £2,500 to £15,000
Wyre Forest £2,500 to £20,000

Grants are awarded on a competitive and match-funded basis, meaning the SME will need to provide at least 60% of the total cost of the project. Amounts available is subject to change.

What can the grant fund?

The research and development grant can only be used to fund activities directly related to the development and/or introduction to market of innovative products or services, including, but not limited to:

new tooling and equipment
creating a prototype
product testing and certification
IP/ trademark protection
external market research
new marketing materials
product launch

How is the project funded?

This project is part-funded by the UK government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund and Worcestershire County Council.

The programme is managed and delivered by Worcestershire County Council on behalf of Bromsgrove District Council, Malvern Hills District Council, Redditch Borough Council, Worcester City Council, Wychavon District Council and Wyre Forest District Council.

The UK Shared Prosperity Fund aims to improve pride in place and increase life chances across the UK investing in communities and place, supporting local business, and people and skills. For more information visit GOV.UK - UK Shared Prosperity Fund Prospectus

Support on offer

The Innovation Worcestershire Specialist Advisor Programme can provide initial diagnostic and assessment to review the current position of your business and future opportunities for new products or services to be introduced.

Delivered through one-to-one tailored advice and dynamic workshops, we can help you with the implementation of a realistic, effective, and bespoke business innovation action plan and provide follow-up support for the implementation of the recommendations.