Creative freelancers and SMEs across the West Midlands can now apply for up to £10,000 in funding to develop innovative ideas through a new regional research and development fund.
The fund is part of a wider ambition to grow a flourishing creative ecosystem by 2030, supported by the West Midlands Combined Authority and Mayor Richard Parker.
Supporting early-stage innovation
Launched through CreaTech Frontiers, the West Midlands’ new creative industries cluster, the fund aims to make R&D support more accessible to smaller companies and individuals. Many freelancers and micro-businesses can struggle to access traditional innovation grants, and this initiative seeks to address that gap.
A total of £250,000 is available this summer, with grants of up to £10,000 for successful applicants. This is the first round of funding, with at least £1.8 million expected to be awarded over the next five years.
Encouraging new ideas
Applications are open until 4 August, and organisers are particularly encouraging first-time applicants and those with untested or original concepts.
Professor Lamberto Coccioli, Director of CreaTech Frontiers, said: “We hope to receive an enthusiastic response from creative companies and freelancers all across the West Midlands.”
Kath Fuller, Chief Operating Officer of TechWM and a board member of CreaTech Frontiers, added: “This is a rare opportunity for freelancers, micro-businesses and SMEs to take creative risks, test bold ideas and unlock the full potential of R&D.”
Creating jobs and showcasing West Midlands talent
Mayor Richard Parker said the fund is about more than individual business growth. It is also about positioning the region as a global leader in creative technology.
“I want our bold thinkers and creative minds to turn their great ideas into global success stories,” he said. “And as we do that, we’re creating exciting new jobs and showing the world what the West Midlands is made of.”
The information for this article came from insider media, read it here.
You might be interested in