The Mayor of London has launched an open invitation for public, private or voluntary sector organisations to bid for £14 million to fund projects that will help London’s small and medium-sized enterprises improve their environmental performance, in collaboration with London’s world class knowledge base.
The funding is made available through London's 2007-13 European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) programme. Over 4,000 jobs are forecast to be created through the Fund over the next five years.
Alex Conway, London European Programmes Director, says,
This European money will provide much welcome support to London businesses in the current economic climate. I hope London's businesses, educational institutions, charities and local authorities make the most of these funding opportunities.
Mark Kleinman, Chair of the London ERDF Programme Monitoring Committee, says,
This initiative will support the Mayor's ambition for London to have the most competitive business environment in the world by creating more productive links between business and academia to promote entrepreneurial skills.
An East London business, Four Corners, secured ERDF funding for its Photo Imaging Network following a previous bidding round.
Dave Than, Exhibitions and Projects Manager, at Four Corners, says,
The ERDF grant has allowed us to develop an entirely free programme of bespoke business support for up to 180 freelance photographers and businesses working in London's high-growth photo imaging sector with a particular emphasis on digital and technological innovation.
The funding has also enabled us to run industry seminars and master classes, develop an online gallery, promote environmental awareness, and provide technical advice and networking opportunities to aspiring creatives.
More information about the ERDF bidding process.