Women within UK registered micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) can apply for a share of up to £4m to develop their exciting and innovative ideas. The £75,000 grant also includes bespoke business support.
The aim of this competition is to fund and support a diverse portfolio of Women in Innovation Award winners:
- who will be relatable role models for women from all backgrounds
- from regions across the UK
- who are solving a range of pressing societal, environmental and economic challenges
- in a variety of innovation areas
Your project must identify clearly evidenced pressing societal, environmental or economic challenges, and how your project and innovation can help solve them.
Applications can come from any area of innovation (where innovation is defined as the commercially successful exploitation of ideas) and be applied to any part of the economy.
We are looking for women who clearly explain how they will benefit from the full package of funding and support on offer and who can describe how this will add value to them and their business.
We are particularly encouraging applications from women who:
- are looking to develop a game changing novel idea or business innovation
- have the potential, capability, experience and personal drive to become leaders in business innovation
- want to be a role model for others, including in their region, sector and to young people
- have a clear vision for their business
- know what they are hoping to achieve from the award and how to measure success
As an award holder you will receive tailored business support, including but not limited to:
- funding and finance options and how to access these
- media and communications, for example, branding
- developing new business models
- evaluating market opportunities
- finding new partners
- growth and scale up
- developing international collaborations and accessing global markets
- business planning strategy
Role model work
Award holders will be required to volunteer as a role model for at least five days over the 12 month duration of the award. This is likely to generate interest in your stories and business.
A role model is a person perceived by others as setting an example of best practice which, if replicated, can enable the achievement of goals.
A role model is frequently associated with undertaking activities, including but not limited to:
- mentoring
- coaching
- presentations
- advice and guidance
A role model will help encourage and inspire others to enter a career in innovation and promote diversity and inclusion in innovation.
The funding competition closes on Wednesday 10 July 2024 at 11am. For more information on how to apply, click here.