Knowledge Connect

Introduction

Knowledge Connect is designed to assist London's diverse small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) to undertake grant funded collaborative projects with the wider Knowledgebase.

This includes Universities, Further Education Colleges, RTOs and private sector specialists. London Development Agency (LDA) and European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) funding of £5.4 million is being channelled to fund this flagship project. Knowledge Connect is the Innovation Vouchers part of Solutions for Business portfolio.  

What's available

The three year programme aims to work with 2,880 enterprises and provide a combination of inspirational workshops and events, stimulating communications, one to one mentoring, specialist identification and partner search.

It also offers grant support to enable SMEs to identify and create business growth opportunities.

There are two levels of grant support available:

• Mini grants up to £3,000 provided for activities such as initial testing, product or service development or proof of concept; and
• Maxi grants of up to £10,000 (which require 50% match funding) to support the delivery of a wide range of more in depth, collaborative projects.

Every element of this programme is designed to offer participants value and inspiration to help them develop and grow their enterprises. It will encourage innovation and creativity, leading to a brighter future for those that take advantage and maximise the benefit of what is on offer.

Who's eligible / criteria

The assistance is available to businesses anywhere in the Greater London area and is focused primarily on trading organisations employing between 4 and 50 employees who have not previously collaborated with the Knowledgebase.

The main goal of the programme is to untap some of the huge amount of invaluable knowledge and know-how that exists for the benefit of SMEs as a business development resource.

How to apply

Businesses can apply for support via the secure element of the Knowledge Connect website.

The site offers exciting examples of Knowlegebase capabilities and cutting edge offerings in areas likely to be of specific interest to SMEs, sharing 'free knowledge' to stimulate and inform. Supporting this is a powerful self-assessment tool. Overall, it will help facilitate the development of business development ideas leading to potential business development projects.

For more information please contact:

Knowledge Connect, 344-354 Grays Inn Rd, London, WC1X 8BP
Tel: 0207 164 2043
Fax: 020 7744 7701
Email: info@knowledgeconnect.org.uk