Business Support Schemes

Invest for Success

This Programme is specifically designed to help start-up and established business owners through the process of raising the finance required to develop businesses successfully. The FREE scheme is particularly aimed at those wishing to access investment finance to support innovation and growth to access and improve new market opportunities.

Harrow in Business (HiB) is the West London sub-contract holder for this pan London programme along with Pre-Vista, Hackney Business Venture and the Contract Holders Enfield Enterprise. The programme is match funded by Harrow Council.

HiB can provide for up to 12 hours business support in developing an appropriate business plan in order to gain finance.

With very little marketing activity available through the programme - we are actively seeking suitable clients for the next 2 quarter outputs.

European Eco-innovation Fund

Small business owners needing cash to get their ideas for green products and services off the ground can now apply for the European Commission's new €35 million eco-innovation fund.

The fund is part of the EU's Eco-Innovation scheme, which is now in its second year. Funding is available for new projects within the following areas:

• recycling
• sustainable building products
• food and drink
• green business practices.

Grants for up to 50% of the total project cost are available and applications from small and medium-sized firms are "particularly welcomed".  The deadline for applications is 9th September 2010.

More information available from Business Link

Enterprise Europe

Enterprise Europe Network UK and Ireland focuses on key services needed by businesses which are either breaking into or are already established and expanding in Europe.

Whether a business is looking for alliances, new products or technologies, the network can help explore a wide range of partnering and licensing opportunities. And, although not a funding source, they can provide SMEs and organisations with information and support on how to apply for EU grants such as FP7, tender for public sector contracts and navigate their way through what can be complex EU business and legislative processes.

They also actively match UK and Irish companies with partners across the EU through the wider Enterprise Europe Network.