Business voucher scheme 'clock is ticking'

Chris Greenhalgh, head of innovation at GC Business Growth Hub

Established small and medium-sized businesses in Oldham have the chance to work with local universities and leading regional research establishments, thanks to GC Business Growth Hub’s Innovation Voucher scheme.

Up to £5,000 of Innovation Vouchers, which must be 100% matched funded by the company themselves, can be applied for ahead of June 30, which is the end of the current funding round.

Oldham businesses who are successful will then get to invest the vouchers into product design, research and development, knowledge transfer, consultancy support and other services at one of Greater Manchester’s four universities or a similar research-led institution.

Chris Greenhalgh, head of innovation at GC Business Growth Hub, said: “Business projects that are struggling to make progress because of difficulties in accessing the right expertise or equipment can really benefit from the Innovation Voucher scheme.

“They can help SMEs in Oldham unlock the wealth of expertise, facilities and insights which exists within Greater Manchester’s four universities and other research-centred organisations in the region. 

"However, the deadline to apply for this round of funding is June 30 so the clock is ticking.”

Successful applicants must be a small to medium sized enterprise and will be required to match the exact value of the Innovation Voucher.

For example, businesses applying for the maximum voucher of £5,000 will need to contribute an additional £5,000 (and the full VAT cost) of their own money to create a total Innovation Voucher fund of £10,000 (ex VAT).

The minimum contribution from businesses is £3,000, though smaller exceptional projects may be considered for product development and prototyping projects.

To find out more and apply online go to: www.businessgrowthhub.com/vouchers