High Growth Innovation Fund

High Growth Innovation Fund Logo

The High Growth Innovation Fund is now closed for new applications. To find out what other support may be available for your business contact an account manager.

The High Growth Innovation Fund is part of the LCR High Growth Programme that is part funded by ERDF and the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority and delivered by Growth Platform – Liverpool City Region Growth Company.

The fund will provide £2.24million of grants from £25k – £75k to businesses that can demonstrate a commercial market impact within six months.

Who’s it for?

SMEs headquartered (or with principal operations) in Liverpool City Region
Actively operating as at 1 Jan 2022
Must have 50% match funding
Demonstratable impact within 6 months of grant award
Not exceeded €200,000 (approx. £180,000) in state aid over 3 years (current fiscal year and the two previous fiscal years)
Initial installment paid at contract stage and final payment on project completion and claim

Grants cannot be used for

working capital and other ordinary course business purposes
operating directly or indirectly in the tobacco industry
production of products used solely in the defence industry
operating in the gambling or adult entertainment industries
any activities with impact on religious movements
any illegal activity
salaries (unless all ERDF requirements are satisfied)
asset leases
any activities with an adverse impact on human or animal rights

Project scope

Projects should align with the City Region strategic priority areas

Open Health Innovation
Sustainable Industrial Future
Global Cultural Capital
Zero Carbon Economy
Tech for Good
Digitalisation

Timescale

6-20 May 2022 – EOI application window
Early June 2022 – successful EOI applicants invited to next stage of application
End June 2022 – Full application closes
Early October – Funding awarded

Speak to an account manager