Innovate Essex Fund

The fund is open to eligible organisations based in Essex or with significant operations in the county, including:

• Start-ups actively trading for at least three months
• Small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs) with fewer than 250 employees
• Social enterprises developing innovative solutions
• Organisations with a clear innovation project and growth ambition, able to provide evidence of active trading
• Businesses headquartered in Essex, or with significant operations in Essex

The Innovate Essex Fund provides three funding routes, designed to support businesses at different stages of their innovation journey. ‍

Explore‍

Grants up to £5,000

Ideal for businesses and entrepreneurs with early-stage ideas who need support to test concepts, assess opportunities and validate their market. Funding can be used for activities such as market research, feasibility studies, customer engagement and proof-of-concept work.

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Develop

Grants from £5,000 to £15,000

Designed for organisations ready to pilot, trial or implement an innovative product, service, technology or process. Funding can support prototype development, testing, technology adoption and activities that prepare innovations for commercialisation.

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Scale

Up to £15,000 worth of specialist support

Delivered in partnership with the University of Essex, this strand supports businesses with mature innovation projects and ambitious growth plans. Specialist support from University of Essex can be used to access academic expertise and facilities, and undertake research to accelerate commercialisation and growth.

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All projects must demonstrate:

• A clear innovation or business growth objective
• Strong commercial potential
• Potential to deliver economic benefits for Essex
• A clear plan for delivery and impact ‍

Match funding requirements:

• Explore: No match funding required
• Develop: Minimum 20% cash contribution from the applicant
• Scale: No match funding required (although applicants must cover project costs above the grant value available)