Project Aims
- To assist a further 39 high growth businesses to purchase e-business solutions such as hardware and software
- It aims to help small and medium sized companies to make better use of ICT, resulting in increased flexibility, reduced risk aversion and better information use, enabling firms to compete in national and global markets.
- The Fund is providing 30% of the total project value with grants of between £7,500 and £50k. The remaining funding will be provided by the bidding company from private sources.
- Example:
| Grant Available | Total Project Value | Minimum Business Contribution |
| Minimum £7,500 | £25,000 | £17,500 |
| Maximum £50,000 | At least £167,000 | At least £117,000 |
- Projects can also be over £167k, but the maximum grant will remain at £50k
- The investment fund is targeting and supporting companies which can demonstrate they can deliver the most value from the investment. This means that preference will be given to larger projects requesting the highest level of funding.
Organisation and Management
- A panel made up of representatives from Liverpool Chamber of Commerce and the private sector will assess the bids and will be the authorising body for grants.
Guidlines
- We cannot fund straight replacement of existing equipment
- We cannot consider supporting leasing of equipment or subscription to outsourced services
- Applicant companies must have been trading on Merseyside for a minimum of 12 months
- The normal grant rate will be 30% of the total eligible cost. The applicant will be expected to meet the remaining 70% from other NON-public funding sources.
- Any item purchased before the date of an offer of grant are not eligible for support.
- The award of a grant is subject to De Minimis State Aid.
- The grant is not payable towards any element of VAT.
- Grants cannot be matched in kind e.g. by applicant’s time.
