Funding for businesses
We can provide advice on a variety of sources of grant, loan and equity funding for your business. We also have access to a number of business angel networks and venture capital organisations. Highlighted below are some of the funds that may be accessible to you.
Enterprise and Impact Development Fund
EIDF is our own internal fund to provide small grants at the very early stages of turning research into a business proposition. It covers activities not funded through research grants but required before seedcorn funding can be sought. Awards are typically up to £15,000 and cover items such as contract research staff salaries, technical feasibility, prototype development costs, market research or initial business planning. We aim to give you a decision within two weeks of receiving your application. More details...
Wellcome Trust University Translation Awards
Wellcome Trust University Translation Awards (UTAs) are grants designed to respond to the funding gap in the commercialisation of new technologies in the biomedical area. UTAs are primarily aimed at innovative scientists in conjunction with their technology transfer office or its equivalent, and if appropriate early stage spin out companies from the institution. More details...
Wyvern Seedcorn Fund
The Wyvern Seedcorn Fund (formally known as The Sulis Seedcorn Fund) provides seedcorn investment for the early stage commercialisation of research generated by the Universities of Bristol and Southampton. The fund offers resources for targeted work to enhance the commercial potential of products and services and for the formation of spin out companies. Investments of up to £250,000 are made in exchange for equity in spin out companies or a proportion of future license income. More details...
South West Angel and Investor Network
The South West Angel and Investor Network (SWAIN) connects private investors, or 'business angels', with companies looking for investment. SWAIN specialises in helping small and medium sized companies to find equity finance, and assists private investors in the South West to search for investment opportunities in businesses with growth potential. More details...
TSB Grant for Research and Development
Grant for Research and Development provides grants to help individuals and small and medium-sized businesses research and develop technologically innovative products and processes. More details...
If you would like to discuss the range of opportunities for funding your business, please contact our Research Commercialisation team.