Sep 13

Written by: Creative Northants
13 September 2011 

Final Call for Proposals September 2011 - Igniting Ambition: Creative Innovation

Applications must be received by Monday 19 September 2012. To request an application form please contact ignitingambition@artscouncil.org.uk
 
Creative Innovation is a three-year programme of innovation support for creative and cultural businesses in the East Midlands, part-financed by the European Regional Development Fund and Legacy Trust UK. The programme is designed to maximise the innovative business growth opportunities of the Cultural Olympiad and the new market opportunities that it presents.
 
What support is available?
Research and Development grants of £1000 are available to support SMEs to be more innovative with their processes and/or develop new products that result in improved business competitiveness and performance. Funding may be used to develop innovative new products that may be showcased at an Igniting Ambition festival (see www.ignitingambition.co.uk). Such products could include performances, exhibitions, publications and moving image work.
 
Who is eligible?
Small/medium businesses (including sole traders/ the self-employed) who work within the creative/ cultural/ arts/ heritage sectors who are looking to create new products, increase innovation in their practice, expand their business, or explore new markets. Beneficiaries must be based in the East Midlands  
 
This is the final call for proposals under Creative Innovation, and we particularly encourage applications from those that are in the early stages of setting up their business. In such cases, applicants must confirm that they have already registered with HMRC for tax purposes and would be required to demonstrate that their business shows innovation potential.
 
What information is required?
Applicants must clearly state how the support given by Creative Innovation will
 
EITHER:
•        Help to create a new business that will start trading within the East Midlands
OR
•        Assist an existing SME to undertake R&D to create new products/ ways of working with a focus on innovation. (How is this proposal different to what you normally do, or from what those in your sector are already doing? What is innovative about it?)
AND  
•        Contribute towards business development. (How would you expect this proposal to develop your practice/ help your business grow?)
AND
•        Has synergy with the Cultural Olympiad programme in the East Midlands (see www.ignitingambition.co.uk) (Could your final product be showcased as part of an Igniting Ambition festival in 2012?)
 
 
Important, please note:
•        To be eligible for assistance through Creative Innovation you must be an SME trading within the East Midlands. The definition of an SME includes sole traders and the self-employed. You will be asked to provide documentation (constitution/ management accounts/ self-assessment tax returns) to prove that you are an eligible SME before support is provided.
•        There are a limited number of opportunities remaining. Applications will be assessed according to their merit, how well they fit the criteria linked to innovation and their fit with the Cultural Olympiad programme.
•        Beneficiaries that have already received support though the programme will not normally be considered for further support.