Small and medium-sized businesses investing in digital innovation to address challenges arising from Covid-19 can access grants of between £10,000 and £40,000 under a new scheme started by UWE Bristol.
The university’s £1m Digital Innovation Fund is aimed at helping firms ranging from start-ups and micro businesses to more established organisations as they look to new ways of working during the current crisis. 
Businesses in any sector have until July 8 to access the grants, which can be used to fund 35% of a project’s costs. The scheme is funded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF).
Applicants must be based in the Bristol, Bath & North East Somerset, North Somerset or South Gloucestershire council areas.
UWE pro vice-chancellor for research and enterprise Prof Martin Boddy said: “In a time of unprecedented change, UWE Bristol is proud of the role it can play to support the region’s SMEs in responding to the pandemic and financial crisis.
“We are therefore delighted to open UWE Bristol’s Digital Innovation Fund, £1m of grant funding to support businesses in the West of England to address new challenges caused by Covid-19.
“Any SME in the area undertaking a digital innovation or research and development project should consider applying. The application process is straightforward and UWE Bristol staff are available to provide hands-on support through a series of confidential one-to-one drop-in sessions.
“We are looking forward to this new fund delivering similar benefits to the local economy and helping individual SMEs to innovate and grow.”
The Digital Innovation Fund follows on from previous successful grant funding schemes run by the university, which has given grants totalling £2m to help thriving businesses across the West of England, creating more than 150 jobs and 100-plus products and services.
To apply please visit: www.digitalinnovationfund.co.uk
