Project Spotlight

East Midlands businesses urged to be in running for new Olympic contracts

East Midlands Development Agency (emda) is encouraging businesses in the region to look at the new opportunities that are available for them to provide goods and services to the London 2012 Games.

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Grants for innovative business

Research and development is key to staying ahead of the competition. However, additional finance is often needed to make new ideas profitable.

Grant for Research and Development helps businesses develop innovative products and processes. It provides financial support of between £5k and £250k. Grants are available for activities ranging from testing the commercial potential of an innovative idea, through to the development of large scale pre-production prototypes.

2010 iFestival

This year’s emda coordinated iFestival will take place between 12th March and 23rd April. Over 170 events will foster stronger links between companies, universities and schools, promoting the importance of innovation to business success.

The iEXPO is on 12th March at Athena, Leicester. Business support for innovative companies will be showcased, and one company will win a bespoke package of intensive support for their business idea during the Last Business Standing competition.

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[ Register at the iEXPO site ]

Free access to thousands of uk-wide lower-value government contracts

Free access to thousands of UK wide lower value government contracts Businesses interested in supplying the public sector can now access lower value contracts across the UK for free. Log in or register at www.supply2.gov.uk to identify new opportunities for growing your business.

To find out more about contract opportunities linked to the London 2012 Games go to www.competefor.com

The ‘Winning Public Sector Business’ programme is increasing awareness of how business is placed by regional public sector purchasers and their wider supply chains. For details see www.procurementem.co.uk

For information about emda contracts see the link below.

Helping businesses prepare for the upturn

As part of emda’s continued support for businesses during the economic downturn and to help them prepare for the upturn, emda is extending its popular Route to Market programme. The programme develops senior managers’ business strategy, customer retention, recruitment and staff development, sales and marketing and finance skills.

Workshops will be held across the region between January and March 2010. Businesses can register their interest now by calling Business Link on 0845 058 66 44.

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