Gaining Support
Companies who gain most from grant funding opportunities recognise that there is a need for a relationship between the funding agency and the company. This is not an adversarial process but rather the chance for the government agency to provide a subsidy which helps them to meet their own objectives.
Government does not have a free hand to provide whatever funding they choose. Any direct government funding to companies is legislated by the European Commission under State Aid regulations (see our sister web site stateaid.co.uk). Government is also generally under an obligation to fund activities which would not happen anyway and to provide the minimum amount necessary for the project to proceed. These parameters need not be stumbling blocks for a funding approach but any discussion with a funding agency must bear these constraints of the agency in mind.
The golden rule for any grant funding approach is to be very clear on the project and the need for support prior to an approach to the relevant government agency. This is why high quality independent advice is important from the very outset of the process. High quality advice obviously incurs some cost but the cost of failure to secure funding is always greater.
Mickledore can help your company:
- Spot the projects which may gain assistance
- Identify the relevant funding agency
- Manage the approach to that agency
- Completely handle the entire application process
- Advise on negotiations relating to funding amounts and payment terms
- Ensure that systems are in place to draw down the offered funding
We will help you successfully secure funding and seek to build your relationship with the funding agency.
Mickledore is expert in government funding opportunities for companies and would be delighted to talk to you about the opportunities for your business.