It is anticipated that the next round of calls for bids for the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) will be published around the end of June, with a closing date of late September.

There is a remaining funding allocation of c. £13m for Cheshire and Warrington, spread across the following thematic objectives –

1. Strengthening research, technological development and innovation;
2. Enhancing access to, and use and quality of, information communication and technology;
3. Enhancing the competitiveness of small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs);
4. Supporting the shift towards a low carbon economy in all sectors.

Match funding is required to at least 50% of total project costs, and there is usually a minimum threshold of £1m total project costs (e.g. £500k match funding, £500k ERDF funding).

It is likely that this will be the final round of area specific calls for ERDF, with the intention that any remaining unallocated funding will transition to a centrally administered Reserve Fund towards the end of the year.

Cheshire and Warrington Local Enterprise Partnership want to maximise take up of this next round and are keen to discuss project ideas with potential applicants.

For further information, please contact Tim Smith at tim.smith@871candwep.co.uk