News article
Funding Opportunities via ESIF Direct bids
01/03/2015
Luton is part of the South East Midlands Local Enterprise Partnership who have over £76m funding and have identified six priorities.
Priority 1: Strengthening and exploiting SEMLEP’s innovation and knowledge assets ERDF (£9.5m) EAFRD (£642k)Priority 2: Stimulating enterprise and enhancing the competitiveness of SMEs in target sectors and markets ERDF (£16.825)
ESF (£1.460) EAFRD (£1.712m)
Priority 3: Developing a low carbon economy ERDF (£6.25m) EAFRD (£321k)
Priority 4: Infrastructure for GrowthERDF (£5.225m) EAFRD (£1,283m)
Priority 5: Developing a skilled and adaptable workforce ESF (£26.34m) EAFRD (£321k)
Priority 6: Tackling social and economic exclusion ESF (£10m)
Direct Bidding There is approximately £43m of the SEMLEP ESIF budget available for direct bidding. There will be a two stage application process. Applicants will submit a project outline in response to a Government call for projects. The specification will include details of funding amounts and outputs to be achieved. The project outline will include details of project objectives and activities, any proposed partnership, information on outputs and costs, and confirmed sources of match funding. Although the three ESIF funds will be aligned, it is expected that applications for ERDF, ESF and EAFRD will be made separately. The appropriate Government department will assess the project for legal compliance, fit with EU funding requirements and value for money. The LEP will assess the project for strategic fit with local needs. If approved by both parties, the project will then be asked to complete a full business case for funding, which will be appraised by Government, and resubmitted to the LEP for final sign off. Under Priority 5 there is £4m available for direct bidding under the Basic Skills and Employment Programme. Outputs and results to be delivered are about getting people in to jobs, education/training, pre work activity and volunteering and gaining qualifications.