Grebe Business Supports
This Funding Option Decision Support Tool has been developed to highlight the most relevant funding options available to renewable energy businesses given their location and the type of funding required. This support tool can be used by both renewable energy businesses seeking funding of various types and potential funders.
Grebe Business Supports
This Funding Option Decision Support Tool has been developed to highlight the most relevant funding options available to renewable energy businesses given their location and the type of funding required. This support tool can be used by both renewable energy businesses seeking funding of various types and potential funders.
Support List
| Country | Project | Support | Description | RE Specific? | Area Type | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Finland | Financial Support (grants, loans, equity investment) | Subsidies | The feed-in tariff is a financial support and steering mechanism established to increase the RE production. The feed-in tariff is available for wind, biogas and wood fuel power plants. The tariff comprises the target price 83.50 €/MWh less the three-month mean market price of electricity. The feed-in tariff payable to timber chip power plants is determined according to the three-month mean price of emission rights and the energy tax on peat. This support is availabel for RE producers (wind power, biogas, wood fuel power plants). Link http://www.energiavirasto.fi/en/web/energy-authority/feed-in-tariff Agency Responsible: Energy Authority Funding: Tariff depends on the target price and average three-month market price of electricity. The system is temporary, until the combined capacity of the generators is exceeded. (wind 2500 MVA, biogas 19 MVA, wood fuels 150 MVA or 50 generators). | Yes | National | Download |
| Finland | The Rural Development Programme for Mainland Finland | Development Funding | Structural funds for both public and private sectors, not only in to renewable energy business, but provides good opportunities for diversifying/supporting rural businesses with renewable energy solutions. The three focus areas are the following: 1. Promote bioeconomy and, as part of it, agriculture that is economically, socially and ecologically sustainable and ethically acceptable. 2. Diversify rural industries and create employment by improving the competitiveness of businesses, supporting new entrepreneurship and promoting the networking of companies. 3. Improve vitality and quality of life in rural areas by strengthening independent local activities The strategy is coordinated by the rural development unit of the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry. Funding is allocated via local Centres for Economic Development, Transport and the Environment. https://www.ely-keskus.fi/en/web/ely-en/ Link https://www.maaseutu.fi/en/rural-development-programme/Pages/default.aspx Agency Responsible: Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry Funding: Depends on the project type | No | National (Regional allocation) | Download |
| Finland | Energy support | Grants | The energy support is a state grant for investments in RE production facilities and research projects related to it. Grants are available for projects, which promote the use or production of renewable energies, advance energy efficiency and reduce the environmental effects caused by energy production and use. Regulation No. 1063/2012). At least 25% of the projects’ financing must come from non-governmental funds. Energy aid may be granted to companies, municipalities and other communities. Ministry of the Employment and the Economy. Funding is allocated via local Centres for Economic Development, Transport and the Environment. This support is available for renewable energy businesses but also for municipalities and communities. Link http://tem.fi/en/energy-aid Agency Responsible: Ministry of the Employment and the Economy. Funding: Funding rates differ: Energy audits up to 50%; new technology (RE production, use and energy efficiency) investments up to 40%; conventional technologies up to 30%; reducing the environmental impacts of energy production and use up to 30%. However, the typical support rates have been 10-20% for conventional technologies and 20-30% for the new technologies. | No | National | Download |
| Finland | The Rural Development Programme for Mainland Finland | Development Funding | The strategy is coordinated by the rural development unit of the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry. This support is not only available for renewable energy business, but provides good opportunities for diversifying/supporting rural businesses with renewable energy solutions. Funding is allocated via local Centres for Economic Development, Transport and the Environment. https://www.ely-keskus.fi/en/web/ely-en/ Structural funds for both public and private sectors The three focus areas are the following: 1. Promote bioeconomy and, as part of it, agriculture that is economically, socially and ecologically sustainable and ethically acceptable. 2. Diversify rural industries and create employment by improving the competitiveness of businesses, supporting new entrepreneurship and promoting the networking of companies. 3. Improve vitality and quality of life in rural areas by strengthening independent local activities Link https://www.maaseutu.fi/en/rural-development-programme/Pages/default.aspx Agency Responsible: Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry. Funding: Depends on the project type | No | National (Regional allocation) | Download |
| Finland | EIP – European Innovation Partnership (Rural Innovations) | Development Funding | Structural funding for innovation groups (part of EIP-Agri). The measure aims to create an optimal setting for developing innovations that promote agriculture and forestry by making the best possible knowledge and expertise available for the group developing the innovation, ensuring that an idea, once suggested, can be turned into a deployable innovation. The business potential of the innovation to be developed is an important element of the selection criteria. While the project may also be associated with investments in agriculture or food production, these will be realised as separate projects, and their potential eligibility for support will be determined on the grounds of the relevant support scheme's principles. The support level may be increased by 20% at maximum if the project has no links to the operation of a rural innovation group. The project may also involve international co-operation. The beneficiary is the responsible implementer of the project, which may be an organisation under public or private law, including an SME, a research unit or a development organisation, a foundation, an educational institution, a municipality or an association that assumes responsibility for project implementation. The group must contain at least one entrepreneur of primary production. This is not just for renewable energy business but has good relevance for the sector. This is administered by the Centre for Economic Development, Transport and the Environment. https://www.ely-keskus.fi/en/web/ely-en/ Link https://www.maaseutu.fi/en/Rural_Innovations/Pages/default.aspx Agency Responsible: Centre for Economic Development, Transport and the Environment. Funding: Additional support; The support level may be increased by 20% at maximum if the project has no links to the operation of a rural innovation group. | No | European | Download |
| Finland | Horizon 2020 for SMEs | Research & Development | EU –level funding programme for research and development, SME funding instruments. In Finland, support for SME involvement in Horizon 2020 is coordinated by the TEKES (The Finnish Funding Agency for Innovation); Link http://www.tekes.eu/en/horizon-2020/ Agency Responsible: TEKES Funding: Depends on the call/application, but e.g. there has been opportunities to apply 75% support between €50,000 and €2,500,000 €. | No | International & National | Download |
| Finland | A Startup Grant | Grants | The purpose of startup grants is to encourage new businesses and promote employment. The grant provides an entrepreneur with a secure income during the time that getting the business up and running is estimated to take – however for no more than 18 months. Link http://www.teservices.fi/te/en/employers/for_entrepreneurs/services_new_entrepreneurs/startup_grant/index.html Agency Responsible: TE-Services (public employment and business services) Funding: The startup grant consists of • a basic grant, which amounted to €32.80 a day in 2015 • a supplementary grant, the amount of which is decided case by case at the discretion of the TE Office. • The supplementary amount may not exceed 60 per cent of the basic grant amount. | No | National (Regional and Local allocation) | Download |
| Finland | Young Innovative Companies (YIC) Funding | Grants & Loans | Tekes offers funding for young, innovative companies for comprehensive development of their business activities. Company may be eligible for the funding if - it has opportunity for fast growth in international markets, - evidence of promising business activities and customer references, - a clear plan to grow in international markets, and the capacity to implement the plan, - a competitive edge with which it is possible to attain an important market position, - a committed and competent management team, - the ability attract venture capital Link http://www.tekes.fi/en/funding/yic/funding/ Agency Responsible: TEKES Funding: The maximum amount of Tekes funding for young, innovative companies amounts to €1.25 million, of which a maximum of €500,000 may be funded as a grant, and €700,000 as a loan. Tekes funds 75 percent of the eligible project costs in at least three phases. The funding for the first phase is a €250,000 grant; typically for the period of 6-12 months. The funding is granted for business development. Tekes sets goals for the company in its funding decision, which, if realised, enable the company to move on to the next phase of funding. | No | National | Download |
| Finland | TEKES Funding for Start-ups and SMEs | Grants & Loans | Tekes offers funding for start-ups and SMEs: - Funding services for innovation activities - Funding for growth - Market knowledge and networks Link https://www.tekes.fi/en/funding/ Agency Responsible: Energy Authority Funding: The funding rates and maximum vary between the types of support. Typically, the funding rate is between 70-75% of the project costs. | No | National | Download |
| Finland | Finnvera Loans | Loans | Finnvera has a portfolio of loans, which have been developed to cover the financing needs in all stages of an enterprise. Finnvera can provide financing for enterprises in almost every sector; only farming, forestry and building developer's business remain outside their range of financing. Link https://www.finnvera.fi/eng/products/loans Agency Responsible: Finnvera Funding: Presented in descriptions above. | No | National | Download |
| Finland | Start Guarantee | Guarantee | Start Guarantee is intended for newly launched enterprises owned by private individuals and meet the SME definition applied by the EU. Another criterion is that no more than three years has passed since their entry into the Trade Register. Link https://www.finnvera.fi/eng/node_2686/Guarantees/Start-Guarantee Agency Responsible: Finnvera Funding: Finnvera’s guarantee coverage can be at most 80 %. However, the total sum of Start Guarantees granted to one enterprise may not exceed EUR 80,000. | No | National | Download |
| Finland | Finnvera Guarantee | Gaurantee | Finnvera Guarantee can be used as security for loans and bank guarantees provided by banks, financing companies or insurance companies in such instruments as promissory notes, accounts with overdraft facility, credit limits, bank guarantees (delivery security and other contingent liabilities), bank guarantee limits (delivery security) and factoring financing. The financing risk is shared by Finnvera and the provider of financing. Finnvera Guarantee is usually 50 per cent of the credit or other financing commitment. Finnvera grants guarantees to all business sectors apart from the actual farming industry, forestry and building developer’s business. Link https://www.finnvera.fi/eng/products/guarantees/finnvera-guarantee Agency Responsible: Finnvera Funding: Usually 50 per cent of a credit or some other financial commitment. | No | National | Download |
| Finland | Internationalisation Guarantee | Gaurantee | The guarantee may be used when a subsidiary or an affiliated company abroad needs funding for investment, development or growth. The guarantee can also be used to acquire or increase a holding, or to raise the share capital, in a subsidiary or in an affiliated company abroad. After the investment, the recipient of the financing must usually hold at least 1/5 of the voting rights in the company. To be eligible for financing, the subsidiary or affiliated company abroad must primarily engage in production, assembly, maintenance or service. Financing cannot be guaranteed merely to finance exports, in other words, it cannot be used simply to set up a sales office. Enterprises with fewer than 250 employees that have an annual turnover not exceeding €50 million or an annual balance-sheet total not exceeding €43 million can apply for an internationalisation guarantee. Finnvera grants guarantees to all business sectors apart from the actual farming industry, forestry and building developer’s business. Link https://www.finnvera.fi/eng/products/guarantees/internationalisation-guarantee Agency Responsible: Finnvera Funding: Finnvera’s share of the total funding in an internationalisation project is negotiated separately in each case. | No | National | Download |
| Finland | Export Guarantee | Gaurantee | By means of an Export Guarantee, an exporter can acquire pre-delivery or post-delivery financing for working capital from a bank. An Export Guarantee can also serve as countersecurity for a bank when a bond is given in favour of a foreign buyer (a bid bond, an advance payment bond, a performance bond or a warranty period bond). Export Guarantees can be issued for the following purposes: • provision of financing for pre-delivery working capital needs in export projects, such as financing for manufacturing costs and raw material purchases • provision of financing for post-delivery working capital needs (financing to cover the buyer’s payment period • bonds pertaining to delivery contracts (bid bonds, advance payment bonds, bonds for manufacture, delivery and warranty periods) • export of services, installation, planning, etc.(construction companies, engineering offices) No limits are applied to the size of eligible projects. Export Guarantees can also be issued to companies other than SMEs. In general, financing is not available for exports to subsidiaries or associated companies. However, if the exporter is a domestic parent company and the end client is a buyer outside the Group, exports may also take place via a subsidiary or an associated company. No restrictions are placed on the business sector in export projects. Loans and guarantees granted by Finnvera are considered to include State aid if the price an enterprise pays for the financing is lower than the reference price determined by the EU Commission. Owing to international agreements, however, export guarantees must always be priced so that they do not include aid. Link https://www.finnvera.fi/eng/products/guarantees/export-guarantee Agency Responsible: Finnvera Funding: Finnvera’s guarantee covers a maximum of 80% of a loan or other financial commitment. | No | National | Download |
| Finland | Environmental Guarantee | Gaurantee | Environmental Guarantee is mainly targeted for large companies throughout Finland. Suitable uses for the guarantee are, for instance, investments improving water or air protection or the recycling of wastes, as well as renewable energy projects undertaken by companies that need financing for investments in wind power parks, biofuel facilities, thermal power plants utilising forest energy, or other similar applications. The Guarantee can however not be granted for financing that is used to manufacture the devices in aforementioned projects. For these purposes Finnvera can offer other financing products. The guarantee can also be used for projects intended to improve energy efficiency and for the modifications, repairs or improvements required by the above-mentioned projects. The guarantee may also be granted for an investment that is carried out abroad but involves substantial improvements to the state of the Finnish environment. Link https://www.finnvera.fi/eng/products/guarantees/environmental-guarantee Agency Responsible: Finnvera Funding: Finnvera’s guarantee can cover at most 80 per cent of the credit sum. | Yes | National | Download |
| Finland | Enterprise Finland | Advice | Free of charge portal that includes information, tools and services for start-ups and existing companies for starting, growing and developing a company and advice and guidance on internationalisation. This is available for all sectors. Portal description: https://www.yrityssuomi.fi/en/tietoa-palvelusta Local offices provide a portfolio of services (establishing an enterprise, business planning and development). The services are available locally via North Karelia Enterprise Agency (http://pohjois-karjala.uusyrityskeskus.fi/english) and North Karelia Chamber of Commerce (http://www.nk.chamber.fi/en/frontpage/) Link https://www.yrityssuomi.fi/en/ Agency Responsible: Ministry of Employment and the Economy Funding: | No | Local | Download |
| Finland | Business Mentors | Mentoring | The activities of business mentors are based on voluntary work to improve the activities of SMEs, bring tacit know-how and offer support in order to relief the lack of resources in SMEs. Business Mentors offer theirs support and experience free of charge to SMEs.Target group: SMEs in different phases of business development and internationalisation e.g. planning import/export, penetrating new markets, creating cooperation networks and finding customers. Company selection: All SMEs in need of different king of assistance in home market and international business. Business mentors work with local companies in order to support internationalisation. Mentors offer companies tacit know-how, practical advice and new networks and contacts. Regional contact via Josek Ltd. Link http://www.yrityskummit.fi/ Agency Responsible: Yrityskummit Funding: | No | National (Regional allocation) | Download |
| Finland | Product Track | Advice | Tuoteväylä - Product Track service provides advice, know-how and financing to promising inventions and innovative business ideas. Centres for Economic Development, Transport and the Environment advise companies also on other issues, such as licencing (manufacturing products of other companies). The service was developed by the Finnish Inventions Association (Keksintösäätiö) that continues the advisory/information activities. More details are available at https://www.ely-keskus.fi/en/web/ely-en/ Link http://tuotevayla.fi/en Agency Responsible: Centre for Economic Development, Transport and the Environment. Funding: The maximum aid amount paid to companies for invention development projects accounts for 50% of approved costs. | No | National | Download |
| Finland | Yrityspörssi (portal to sell/buy business enterprises) | Advice | Portal includes enterprises for sale, wanted and service offers. The Federation of Finnish Enterprises provides information/advisory for its members. Link http://www.yritysporssi.fi/en Agency Responsible: The Federation of Finnish Enterprises Funding: | No | National | Download |
| Finland | Business Transfer Support | Advice | Association that provides Information and advisory service assisting companies in Business Transfers. Link http://www.omistajanvaihdosseura.fi/ Agency Responsible: Finnish Business Transfer Society Funding: | No | National | Download |
| Finland | Franchising support | Advice | Finnish Franchising Association provides Information, advisory and training services assisting entrepreneurs interested in Franchising businesses. Link http://www.franchising.fi/etusivu Agency Responsible: Finnish Franchising Association Funding: | No | National | Download |
| Finland | Training for entrepreneurs | Training | Career coaching: Includes: - General idea of enterprising - Practical aspects of setting up a business and working as an entrepreneur - Surveys and assesses the participants' skills and capacities for enterprising Entrepreneur training: Provides basic information about: - entrepreneurships - setting up a business - various aspects of enterprising, including funding, marketing, communications, taxation and financial administration. - Development of business ideas and business plans For example, the training provides more in-depth knowledge about funding, accounting and taxation, marketing, the risks of enterprising, and acting as an employer. The aim may be to develop areas that the entrepreneur finds problematic and to promote cooperation between enterprises. The training may aim for completing a further vocational qualification for entrepreneurs or one of its modules. Link http://www.te-services.fi/te/en/employers/for_entrepreneurs/services_new_entrepreneurs/training_entrepreneurs/index.html Agency Responsible: TE-Services (public employment and business services) Funding: | No | National (Regional and Local allocation) | Download |
| Finland | Qualification for an Entrepreneur | Training | Training for reaching a vocational degree of and entrepreneur. Link http://www.pkky.fi/hakijalle/koulutustarjonta/yhteiskuntatieteiden-liiketalouden-ja-hallinnon-ala/liiketalous-ja-kauppa/Sivut/yrittajan-ammattitutkinto.aspx Agency Responsible: North Karelia Municipal Education and Training Consortium Funding: | No | National (Regional allocation) | Download |
| Finland | Business advisory and development services | Advice | Business development and advisory for the companies in the region. This is not only for the renewable energy sector, but there is renewable energy expertise in each development company/centre. Further information is available at http://www.josek.fi/eng/ http://www.keti.fi/en/web/ketieng/ Link http://www.pikes.fi/en_GB/web/pikes-en Agency Responsible: PIKES Ltd Funding: | No | Regional & Local | Download |
| Finland | RE and Business Training and Expert Services | Training | Training courses/expert services in RE, such as procurement of RE solutions/ decentralised energy solutions, business development. Course assignments, trainees and thesis works both in business and renewable energy. Link http://www.karelia.fi/en/expert-services/global-services/service-solutions/bioeconom Agency Responsible: Karelia UAS Funding: | Yes | Regional & Local | Download |
| Finland | Entrepreneurship and Innovation Services of University of Eastern Finland | Research & Development | Entrepreneurship and Innovation Services is an organisation of experts supporting and promoting the commercialisation of research findings and expertise emerging from the University of Eastern Finland. We work in cooperation with the university's research groups and business and industry in evaluating the commercial potential of research, and we facilitate knowledge transfer to support the birth of new business activities and entrepreneurship. Our services range from the promotion of innovation skills to invention disclosure activities, from the planning of commercially-oriented research projects to their implementation, from utilisation assessments of innovation ideas to the protection of immaterial property rights and technology transfer for commercial use. We also serve as a link connecting our researchers and aspiring entrepreneurs with business and industry, regional and national development and mediator organisations, and funders of start-up companies Link http://www.uef.fi/en/web/kehittamispalvelut/entrepreneurship-and-innovation-services Agency Responsible: University of Eastern Finland Funding: | No | National (Regional allocation) | Download |
| Finland | Business Incubator | Advice | The business incubator helps in implementing the business idea and guides companies through the challenging early years into a growth path. Pre-incubator assists in developing the competence, finding the required expertise, customer contacts, partners, financing opportunities, as well as compiling a functional business model. Basing on the business model, incubator services cooperate with entrepreneur in establishing a comprehensive business plan. The pre-incubator is followed by the establishment of the company and actual incubator phase, where comprehensive support and supporting environment is provided for starting up the business. The business incubator cooperates closely with the University of eastern Finland and Karelia UAS to provide support in each specific area, such as making international contacts. Link http://en.tiedepuisto.fi/business_development/business_incubator Agency Responsible: Joensuu Science Park Funding: | No | Regional | Download |
| Finland | Joensuu Science Park Business Development Services | Advice | Joensuu Science Park provides a portfolio of expert services in business development for all sectors, including: - Situational analyses - Business strategy services - Product development and innovation services - Services for developing marketing, sales and communications - Services for improving processes, productivity and management - Road to internationalisation Services descriptions available at: http://www.tiedepuisto.fi/business_development Link http://en.tiedepuisto.fi/business_development Agency Responsible: Joensuu Science Park Funding: | No | Regional & Local | Download |
| Finland | VTT services | Research & Development | VTT’s services increase the competitiveness of our customers’ businesses, promote the creation of new business, and improve and speed up R&D. We offer our customers access to our cross-disciplinary technological and business expertise, unique research infrastructure, and comprehensive partnership networks. We create customized solutions in close co-operation with our customers. This is available for all sectors but is very relevant to renewable energy. Link http://www.vttresearch.com/services Agency Responsible: VTT (VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland Ltd.) Funding: | No | National | Download |
| Finland | LUKE services | Research & Development | LUKE provides research & expert services, testing and production services, as well as IPR and commercialisation services. This is available for all sectors but is very relevant to renewable energy. Link http://www.luke.fi/en/services/ Agency Responsible: Natural Resources Institute Finland Funding: | No | National | Download |
| Finland | Support for recruitment/Pay subsidy | Employment Support | A diverse work community consists of different types of people. Some of them may need slightly more induction training or support to cope in working life. This page contains information about subsidies available for those recruiting an unemployed person. The TE Office may subsidise an employer who hires an unemployed person who needs more support than usual in order to find a job, a young person looking for his or her first job or a disabled worker who would like to apply his or her skills in working life. As an employer you may be eligible for a pay subsidy when you hire an unemployed jobseeker who finds it difficult to get a job. The jobseekers’ unemployment is caused by lack of professional skills or they have a disability or an illness. A pay subsidy is always discretionary and based on the needs of the unemployed jobseeker. The TE Office will assess the extent to which work on a pay subsidy will improve the unemployed jobseeker's professional skills and how the jobseeker will find work in the open labour market. The TE Office will also make a decision on the amount of subsidy to be paid and the period over which it will be paid on a case-by-case basis. A pay subsidy may be granted for an employment relationship that is valid until further notice or for a fixed term (including apprenticeship training). A pay subsidy may also be granted to part-time employment if the TE Office considers the part-time work to be appropriate and promoting the person's chances of gaining entrance to the labour market. This may be justifiable, for example, in case of a person with partial working ability finding employment. Pay subsidy will no longer be granted for hiring job alternation leave substitutes. When reporting a vacancy to the TE Office, include information whether you are also willing to hire a person needing more support at the beginning of their employment relationship than what the average employee would receive. Upon agreement, the TE Office may also offer work for persons whose recruitment may make the employer eligible for a pay subsidy. Link www.te-services.fi/te/en/employers/find_an_employee/support_recruitment/index.html Agency Responsible: TE-Palvelut Funding: | No | National | Download |
| Finland | Start Me Up – Business Idea Competition | Advice | Business idea competition followed by a supporting service with business development expert services. Link http://en.tiedepuisto.fi/startmeup_english Agency Responsible: Joensuu Science Park Funding: 1st prize 15 000 €. | No | Regional & Local | Download |
| Finland | Draft Programme | Grants | A support programme for students/staff of Karelia UAS and UEF (University of Eastern Finland) to develop new business ideas. Link http://draft.karelia.fi/en/ Agency Responsible: Karelia UAS / University of Eastern Finland Funding: €4000 | No | Regional & Local | Download |
| Iceland | Energy Fund | Grants | Provides funding for specific projects in the field of efficient energy use, including for education and informative projects. The fund also provides funding for projects that promotes the use of domestic energy instead of fossil fuels and strengthen international cooperation in such projects. Link http://www.orkustofnun.is/orkustofnun/rad-og-nefndir/orkusjodur/ Agency Responsible: Orkustofnun (National energy Authority) Funding: 50% of cost is eligible | Yes | National | Download |
| Iceland | Geothermal prospecting | Loans | The main purpose of the fund is to promote the further use of geothermal energy for heating in the country with the aim of improving living conditions and increasing access to the quality and potential of geothermal entail and to reduce the use of fossil fuels for heating and reduce the cost of the subsidies (from the government) for heating in cold areas. Link http://www.orkustofnun.is/orkustofnun/rad-og-nefndir/orkusjodur/ Agency Responsible: Orkustofnun (National energy Authority) Funding: Up to 60% of total cost | Yes | National | Download |
| Iceland | Rannsóknarstyrkir Orkusjóðs (National energy authority research grants) | Grants | Research grants for: - cost-effective energy efficiency and energy saving - domestic energy and alternative fuels and fossil fuel savings - the acquisition of knowledge in these areas and sharing - research, development and cooperation to this aim - job creation in these fields Link http://www.orkustofnun.is/orkustofnun/umsoknir/rannsoknarstyrkir-orkusjods/ Agency Responsible: Orkustofnun (National energy Authority) Funding: No | Yes | National | Download |
| Iceland | Grants for district heating | Subsidies | Grants for project in renewable energy and sustainable fisheries. The goal is to support innovation in that field. Subsidies for using green energy f.exp heat pumps with the objective to save energy and improved energy efficiency of house heating: Link http://www.os.is/orkustofnun/umsoknir/eingreidslur/ Agency Responsible: Orkustofnun (National energy Authority) Funding: | Yes | National | Download |
| Iceland | Frumkvöðlasjóður Íslandsbanka | Grants | Grants for project in renewable energy and sustainable fisheries. The goal is to support innovation in that field. This support is specific to the renewable energy and sustainable fisheries sectors. Link https://www.islandsbanki.is/um-islandsbanka/samfelagsleg-abyrgd/frumkvodlasjodur/ Agency Responsible: Íslandsbanki Funding: 50% of cost is eligible | Yes | National | Download |
| Iceland | Átak til atvinnusköpunar | Grants | Átak til atvinnusköpunar is a fund for small innovation projects and marketing actions especially for entrepreneurs and SMEs. Link http://nmi.is/studningur/styrkir/atak-til-atvinnuskoepunar/ Agency Responsible: Innovation center Iceland Funding: 50% of cost is eligible | No | National | Download |
| Iceland | Tækniþróunarsjóður (Technology Development fund) | Grants | The role of the fund is to support research and development activities, which aim towards innovation in Icelandic industry. The Technology Development Fund is a competitive fund which issues its calls for proposals twice a year. Link http://en.rannis.is/funding/research/technology-development-fund/nr/545 Agency Responsible: Rannis (The Icelandic Cenre for Research) Funding: The maximum contribution towards projects can amount to a total of up to ISK 45 million for a period of three years; ISK 30 million during two years or ISK 15 million during one year, which can be variously distributed during the years of support, depending on the progress of the project and its funding requirements. Up to one third of the total grant can used for market purposes (see the Icelandic rules for definition of allowed project parts) Applicants’ matching contribution of 50% is required. Support lasting up to three years may be applied for, although the fund’s board of directors only confirms a grant for one year at a time. Continued support depends on progress and the fulfilment of contractually agreed results. | No | National | Download |
| Iceland | Icelandic student Innovation fund | Grants | The goal of the Icelandic Student Innovation Fund is to provide an opportunity for universities, research institutions and companies to recruit students, in graduate and postgraduate studies, to undertake ambitious and challenging research projects during the summer time. Link https://en.rannis.is/funding/research/icelandic-student-innovation-fund/nr/570 Agency Responsible: Rannis (The Icelandic Centre for Research) Funding: The grant is presented in the form of monthly grants for the student, but the company or the relevant supervisor is to supply facilities and pay material cost. The fund monitors the progress of the project over the summer, whilst the supervisor is responsible for the actual execution of the project and the delivering of a final report at the end of the summer. | No | National | Download |
| Iceland | Uppbyggingarsjóður (structural fund for each region in Iceland) | Grants | These grants are in all regions of Iceland. Innovation projects as well as cultural project are funded. The funding of the grants comes from the government but are allocated locally (or in each region of Iceland). Further information is available at http://www.vestfirdir.is/Uppbyggingarsjodur/ - http://www.austurbru.is/is/uppbyggingarsjodur-austurlands-1 - http://www.sass.is/radgjof-2/styrkir-til-eflingar-atvinnulifs-og-nyskopunar-2/ - http://www.atthing.is/uppbyggingarsjodur/ - http://www.menningarviti.is/default.asp?sid_id=61499&tre_rod=002|&tId=11 - http://sss.is/starfsemi/uppbyggingarsjodur - http://www.ssnv.is/is/uppbyggingarsjodur www.atvinnuvegaraduneyti.is Link http://www.eything.is/menningarrad/uppbyggingarsjodur Agency Responsible: Ministry of Industries and innovation Funding: 50% of cost is eligible | No | Regional | Download |
| Iceland | Skattafrádráttur rannsókna- og þróunarverkefna (tax deduction for research and development projects). | Taxation | Companies that have received confirmation Rannís of research or development project have the right to tax deduction. Tax deduction is based on an each project.. A company that owns a research and development project are entitled to deduction from the assessed income tax of up to 20% of the expenses incurred for these projects. The maximum expenses for calculation for each company is ISK 100,000,000 in operating year. Link https://www.rannis.is/sjodir/atvinnulif/skattfradrattur/ Agency Responsible: Rannis (The Icelandic Centre for Research) Funding: Up to 20% of income tax. Maximum expenses for tax deduction for each project is ISK 100, 000,000 | No | National | Download |
| Iceland | Start up energy | Mentoring | Startup Energy Reykjavik is a mentorship-driven seed stage investment program with focus on energy related business projects. Link http://www.startupenergyreykjavik.com/en/ http://www.icelandicstartups.com/ Agency Responsible: Klak Innovit (Icelandic start-ups) Funding: Not applicable | Yes | National | Download |
| Iceland | Konur í orkumálum – Women Network in Energy | Networking Support | This is a network for women in the energy business. This community on facebook. Link https://www.facebook.com/Konur-%C3%AD-orkum%C3%A1lum-259616860889418/?fref=ts Agency Responsible: Konur í orkumálum Funding: Not applicable | Yes | National | Download |
| Iceland | Samband sveitarfélaga á köldum svæðum | Networking Support | The network aims: - working to decrease energy costs for heating "cold areas" - to promote (further) geothermal prospecting - to gather and share information in energy to its members - to promote public awareness of ways of save energy. - The network consist of 37 municipalities in Iceland where heating cost is high and no useable geothermal. Link http://ssks.is/ Agency Responsible: Samband sveitarfélaga á köldum svæðum (Association of municipalities on cold areas) Funding: No funding. Network and lobbying. | Yes | National | Download |
| Iceland | Iceland geothermal | Advice | Iceland Geothermal is a platform where you can access all general information about geothermal energy in Iceland and leads you to the right coordinator if you are building up infrastructure or business in relation to the resource of geothermal. Iceland Geothermal is a non-profit organisation that was established in February 2013. IG is an industry driven cluster cooperation partnership which focuses on the field of geothermal energy. The Iceland Geothermal Cluster Initiative was founded by 43 diverse members,including companies, associations and institutions. Link http://www.icelandgeothermal.is/ Agency Responsible: Iceland geothermal Funding: Not relevant | Yes | National | Download |
| Iceland | Icelandic Research Fund | Grants | The IRF awards funding to research students and defined research projects led by individuals, research teams, universities, research institutes, and companies. Grant types include • Project grants • Grant of excellence • Postdoctoral fellowship • Doctoral student grant Further information is available at https://en.rannis.is/media/rannsoknasjodur/IRF-Handbook-2016.pdf Link https://en.rannis.is/funding/research/icelandic-research-fund/nr/527 Agency Responsible: Rannis (The Icelandic Cenre for Research) Funding: | No | National | Download |
| Iceland | Incubation spaces | Incubation & Office Space | Leasing of office space/desk on a low fee. Access to meeting facilities, facilities for workshops, research and prototype construction etc. Professional advice and support from experts Innovation Centre Creative environment and powerful network Lectures and workshops on relevant factors in the entrepreneurial environment. Link http://nmi.is/studningur/frumkvoedlasetur/ Agency Responsible: Innovation Center Iceland Funding: | No | Local | Download |
| Ireland | Micro Enterprise Loan Fund | Loans | Microfinance Ireland is a Government initiative providing loans from €2k to €25k to commercially viable start-up, newly established or growing microenterprises that have been declined credit by the banks. Link http://www.microfinanceireland.ie/ Agency Responsible: Micro Finance Ireland Funding: Micro Finance Ireland | No | National | Download |
| Ireland | Credit Guarantee Scheme | Guarantee | This Government scheme enables the State, in certain circumstances, to act as a guarantor to the bank for your loan application. The purpose of the scheme is to guarantee commercially viable SMEs that have been declined credit due to inadequate collateral and/or lack of understanding of the business model. Link https://www.djei.ie/en/What-We-Do/Supports-for-SMEs/Access-to-Finance/SME-Credit-Guarantee-Scheme/ Agency Responsible: Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation Funding: Each Scheme lender has the option to set their own higher minimum amounts or lower maximum amounts within these limits. For more information see https://www.djei.ie/en/What-We-Do/Supports-for-SMEs/Access-to-Finance/SME-Credit-Guarantee-Scheme/ | No | National | Download |
| Ireland | Strategic Banking Corporation of Ireland (SBCI) - Investment and Working Capital Loans | Loans | The following product features are available through the partner On-Lenders with SBCI’s support, subject to the financial institutions’ own credit policies and procedures. With SBCI providing low cost funding to eligible SMEs, these products will deliver the following benefits: • Lower interest rates • Available for both investment and working capital purposes • Minimum loan maturity of 2 years • Loan amounts up to €5m In addition, subject to the financial institutions’ credit policies and procedures, the following features may also be available to qualifying SMEs: • Repayment schedule flexibility • Loan maturity of up to 10 years • Facility maturity tailored to correspond with investment life cycle Link http://sbci.gov.ie/products/sbci-investment-working-capital-loan Agency Responsible: Strategic Banking Corporation of Ireland Funding: Loan amounts up to €5m | No | National | Download |
| Ireland | Strategic Banking Corporation of Ireland (SBCI) - Refinance of Exiting Banks | Loans | This product aims to facilitate those SMEs whose current bank loan facilities originated with banks, which are exiting the Irish market. The following product features are available through the partner On-Lenders with SBCI’s support, subject to the financial institutions’ own credit policies and procedures. • Available to eligible SMEs whose current facilities originated with a bank which is exiting or has exited the Irish market, i.e. ACC Bank, Danske Bank, Lloyds / Bank of Scotland Ireland, Irish Nationwide / IBRC, Anglo Irish Bank / IBRC. • Lower interest rates • Loan amounts up to €5m • Minimum loan maturity of 2 years • Loans may also cover investment and working capital purposes Link http://sbci.gov.ie/products/re-finance Agency Responsible: Strategic Banking Corporation of Ireland Funding: Loan amounts up to €5m | No | National | Download |
| Ireland | Strategic Banking Corporation of Ireland (SBCI) - Leasing and Hire Purchase | Leasing & Hire Purchase | SME leasing offers flexible asset finance funding solutions, including leasing and hire purchase (HP) that will allow SMEs finance assets including cars, commercial vehicles, plant and machinery. Lease terms are usually between 2 to 5 years and provide the SME with fixed monthly rental payments for the term. In addition payments may be V.A.T. deductible where registered and where applicable. Link http://sbci.gov.ie/products/leasing-and-hire-purchase Agency Responsible: Strategic Banking Corporation of Ireland Funding: | No | National | Download |
| Ireland | Seed & Venture Capital Programme | Equity | The 2013-2018 Seed & VC Scheme improves access to finance for SMEs and to further develop the Seed & VC industry in Ireland. This is available for startups. Link http://www.enterprise-ireland.com/en/Invest-in-Emerging-Companies/Seed-and-Venture-Capital-Scheme/ Agency Responsible: Enterprise Ireland Funding: | No | National | Download |
| Ireland | Competitive Start Fund | Grants & Loans | This fund works to accelerate the growth of start-up companies that have the capability to succeed in global markets. The purpose of the Competitive Start Fund is to accelerate the growth of start-up companies that have the capability to succeed in global markets. The fund is designed to enable those companies reach key commercial and technical milestones, for example: • Evaluate overseas market opportunities and reach firm conclusions regarding the viability of the proposed business. • Build a prototype. • Secure a reference site. • Develop a market entry plan for exploiting international opportunities. • Secure partnership deal or strategic alliance. • Identify suitable channels to international markets. • Secure third party investment e.g. business angel, Venture Capital. All applications to the Competitive Start Fund must be made via the Enterprise Ireland online application system during call open dates. Link http://www.enterprise-ireland.com/en/funding-supports/company/hpsu-funding/competitive-start-fund-csf-.html Agency Responsible: Enterprise Ireland Funding: | No | National | Download |
| Ireland | Priming grants | Grants | Priming grants https://www.localenterprise.ie/Discover-Business-Supports/Financial-Supports/Priming-Grant/ These grants are for sole traders, partnerships, community or limited companies to develop their businesses. Finance is subject to eligibility criteria which you will need to discuss further with your local LEO Office. Link https://www.localenterprise.ie/Discover-Business-Supports/Financial-Supports/Priming-Grant/ Agency Responsible: Local Enterprise Offices (LEO) Funding: n/a | No | National (Local allocation) | Download |
| Ireland | Business Expansion Grant | Grants & Loans | Business Expansion Grant This grant is to help support domestically traded manufacturing and service businesses with the potential to trade internationally. Link https://www.localenterprise.ie/Discover-Business-Supports/Financial-Supports/Business-Expansion-Grant/ Agency Responsible: Local Enterprise Offices (LEO) Funding: n/a | No | National (Local allocation) | Download |
| Ireland | Feasibility/Innovation Grant | Grants & Loans | Feasibility/Innovation Grant These grants are designed to assist with researching market demand for a product or service and examining its sustainability. Link https://www.localenterprise.ie/Discover-Business-Supports/Financial-Supports/Feasibility-Grant/ Agency Responsible: Local Enterprise Offices (LEO) Funding: n/a | No | National (Local allocation) | Download |
| Ireland | Microfinance LEO Loans | Loans | Microfinance LEO Loans Loans are provided from €2,000 up to €25,000, from 3 to 5 years, with flexibility on repayment terms and a reduced interest rate for LEO clients. Link http://www.localenterprise.ie/Discover-Business-Supports/Financial-Supports/Microfinance-Loans/ Agency Responsible: Local Enterprise Offices (LEO) Funding: €2,000 to €25,000 | No | National (Local allocation) | Download |
| Ireland | REFIT Schemes and Supports | Subsidies | The Renewable Energy Feed in Tariff (REFIT) schemes/supports are funded by the Public Service Obligation (PSO) which is paid for by all electricity consumers. The REFIT schemes have been designed to incentivise the development of renewable electricity generation in order to ensure Ireland meets its goal of 40% of electricity coming from renewable sources by 2020. More information on the REFIT Schemes Frequently Asked Questions (PDF 0.3MB) The current REFIT schemes are now closed as of 31 December 2015. The Department will no longer accept applications Link http://www.dccae.gov.ie/en-ie/energy/topics/Renewable-Energy/electricity/renewable-electricity-supports/Pages/REFIT-Schemes-and-Supports.aspx Agency Responsible: Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environment Funding: | Yes | National | Download |
| Ireland | Competitive Feasibility Fund | Grants | This is a fund to assist a new start up company or individual entrepreneur to investigate the viability of a new significant growth orientated business. Enterprise Ireland regularly offers feasibility funding for business start-ups in various sectors and geographic regions. The objective of the Competitive Feasibility Funds is to assist new start-up companies or entrepreneurs, to investigate the viability of a new growth-orientated business proposition which has the potential to become a High Growth Potential Start-up (HPSU). These are companies that can develop scalable innovative technologies, products or services for sale on world markets. We are seeking to support projects that are likely to achieve significant growth within three years (sales of €1m per annum and employment of 10 or more) or, where a company is required to have FDA or CE approval, to have €1 million in sales within three years of approval to sell. The purpose of the Feasibility Grant is to enable the applicant and Enterprise Ireland to reach firm conclusions regarding the project's viability and set out investor-ready plans and financials associated with developing and commercialising the product or service on international markets. The Fund is open to manufacturing and internationally traded services business and designed to enable start-up companies reach key commercial and technical milestones. Link http://www.enterprise-ireland.com/EI_Corporate/en/funding-supports/Company/HPSU-Funding/Competitive-Feasibility-Fund-CFF-.html Agency Responsible: Enterprise Ireland Funding: | No | National | Download |
| Ireland | Western Investment Fund for SMEs | Equity & Loans | This Investment Fund provides loans and equity to high growth enterprises. It has already funded projects in areas such as bio ICT, medical devices, ICT, high tech manufacturing, food and tourism. Link http://www.wdc.ie/wdc-investment-fund/ Agency Responsible: Western Development Commission Funding: | No | Regional | Download |
| Ireland | Business Angel Finance | Equity | Through Business Angel Finance, high net worth individuals or syndicates invest up to €1 million for usually between 3 and 7 years in return for equity stake in your business. More information is available at www.hban.org Link http://www.intertradeireland.com/equity-old/businessangelfinance Agency Responsible: Intertrade Ireland Funding: Up to €1m | No | Regional & Cross Border | Download |
| Ireland | Innovative HPSU Fund (Equity) | Equity | Enterprise Ireland offers equity investment to high potential start-up (HPSU) clients, on a co-funded basis to support the implementation of company business plans. Link http://www.enterpriseireland.ie/en/Funding-Supports/Company/HPSU-Funding/Innovative-HPSU-fund.html Agency Responsible: Enterprise Ireland Funding: | No | National | Download |
| Ireland | Startup Relief for Entrepreneurs (SURE) | Taxation / Tax relief | Startup Refunds for Entrepreneurs (SURE) is a tax relief incentive scheme. If you are interested in starting your own company, you may be entitled to an income tax refund of up to 41% of the capital that you invest. Link http://www.revenue.ie/en/tax/it/leaflets/it15.html http://www.revenue.ie/en/business/running/initiatives-smes.html Agency Responsible: Revenue Commissioners Funding: n/a | No | National | Download |
| Ireland | Employment and Investment Scheme | Taxation / Tax relief | The Employment and Investment Incentive Scheme offers investors up to 40% tax relief on their total income in return for investing in new ordinary shares in qualifying SMEs for a three year investment period Link http://www.revenue.ie/en/tax/it/leaflets/it55.html Agency Responsible: Revenue Commissioners Funding: n/a | No | National | Download |
| Ireland | Tax Relief for new start-up companies | Taxation / Tax relief | A tax relief from Corporation Tax can be available for new start-up companies who have a corporate tax liability of less than €40,000, subject to certain conditions being met. Link http://www.revenue.ie/en/practitioner/tax-briefing/archive/2013/no-022013.html http://www.revenue.ie/en/business/running/initiatives-smes.html Agency Responsible: Revenue Commissioners Funding: n/a | No | National | Download |
| Ireland | Research & Development Tax Credits | Taxation / Tax relief | A tax relief from Corporation Tax can be available for companies engaged in high value add Research & Development ('R&D') activities. The R&D Tax Credit gives a company a 25% tax credit for their expenditure on qualifying R&D in a given year. Link http://www.revenue.ie/en/tax/ct/research-development.html Agency Responsible: Revenue Commissioners Funding: n/a | No | National | Download |
| Ireland | VAT measures to reduce burden on SMEs | Taxation / Tax relief | A number of VAT measures facilitate small businesses including a) increasing the cash accounting threshold to €2m, b) retaining the 9% VAT rate, c) non-registration or reduced VAT filing for businesses with low turnover. These measures aim to assist cash flow, reduce administrative burden and encourage employment. Link http://www.revenue.ie/en/tax/vat/index.html http://www.revenue.ie/en/business/running/initiatives-smes.html Agency Responsible: Revenue Commissioners Funding: | No | National | Download |
| Ireland | The Back to Work Enterprise Allowance (BTWEA) scheme | Employment Support | Allows those embarking on self employment to retain some existing welfare benefits while setting up a new business. If you are getting certain social welfare payments and you would like to become self-employed, the Back to Work Enterprise Allowance (BTWEA) allows you to keep a portion of your social welfare payment for 2 years. Link http://www.welfare.ie/en/Pages/Back-to-Work-Enterprise-Allowance-Self-Employed.aspx Agency Responsible: Department of Social Protection Funding: | No | National | Download |
| Ireland | JobsPlus | Employment Support | JobsPlus is an employer incentive which encourages and rewards employers who offer employment opportunities to jobseekers on the Live Register. JobsPlus is a simple scheme for employers to access, offering up to €10,000 for a qualifying recruit, payable on a monthly basis over a two year period. The employment you provide must be for at least 30 hours per week and must span a minimum of 4 days in each week Link http://www.jobsplus.ie/ Agency Responsible: Department of Social Protection Funding: Max €10,000 | No | National | Download |
| Ireland | Accelerate Management Development Programme | Advice | This programme provides business owners/managers with the management, leadership, business skills and knowledge to achieve sustainability and growth in their business. Link https://www.localenterprise.ie/Discover-Business-Supports/Training-Programmes/Accelerate-Management-Development-Programme/ Agency Responsible: Local Enterprise Offices (LEO) Funding: | No | National (Local allocation) | Download |
| Ireland | Access to EU Programmes, EU Finance and EU Markets | Advice | The Enterprise Europe Network assists SMEs who are looking for EU Programmes and Supports. The Network organises international brokerage events and provides a central database for SMEs to offer, or search for, business opportunities, technology transfer and licensing deals in the EU and in many other countries. Link http://www.een-ireland.ie/ Agency Responsible: Enterprise Ireland Funding: | No | National | Download |
| Ireland | Horizon 2020 Supports | Advice | Aimed at helping companies and researchers from Ireland and Northern Ireland collaborate in Horizon 2020. InterTrade Ireland offers a suite of supports and vouchers specifically designed to facilitate this North South collaboration and to increase participation in the Horizon 2020 funding scheme. Link http://www.intertradeireland.com/horizon2020/ Agency Responsible: Enterprise Ireland Funding: n/a | No | Regional & Cross Border | Download |
| Ireland | New Frontiers Entrepreneur Development Programme | Mentoring | This is a national Incubation programme that offers successful applications a package of supports to help accelerate business growth and equip individual with the skills to start and grow their company. Link http://www.energiavirasto.fi/en/web/energy-authority/feed-in-tariff Agency Responsible: Enterprise Ireland Funding: n/a | No | National | Download |
| Ireland | Training Networks Programme (TNP) | Training | Join a Skillnets training network to benefit from high quality training that is subsidised, relevant to your needs, and delivered at a time and in a location that suits your business. This is available for all sectors but there may be a renewable energy network. Further information is available at http://www.skillnets.ie/companies Link http://www.skillnets.ie/training-networks Agency Responsible: Skillnets Funding: n/a | No | Regional & Local | Download |
| Ireland | Management Works Programme | Mentoring | Subsidised management development training and mentoring programme available to businesses in all sectors to assist them to grow in terms of their sales, output and employment. Link http://www.managementworks.ie/ Agency Responsible: Skillnets Funding: n/a | No | National | Download |
| Ireland | Trade Accelerator Vouchers | Grants | These vouchers provide financial support towards professional advice such as financial and legal. These vouchers can also be used for market research to scope potential business in opposite jurisdiction. Link http://www.intertradeireland.com/trade_accelerator_vouchers/ Agency Responsible: Intertrade Ireland Funding: | No | Regional & Cross Border | Download |
| Ireland | Start Your Own Business Programme | Advice | This programme is for people who have a business idea and want to assess its viability and decide whether to proceed. Link https://www.localenterprise.ie/Discover-Business-Supports/Training-Programmes/Start-Your-Own-Business-Programme/ Agency Responsible: Local Enterprise Offices (LEO) Funding: n/a | No | National (Local allocation) | Download |
| Ireland | Tendering Supports | Training | Aimed at helping companies gain the necessary knowledge and practical skills to tender successfully for public sector contracts particularly on a cross border basis. These include 2 day workshops (Go2Tender), Meet the Buyer Events and supports for collaborative bidding. Further information is available at http://www.intertradeireland.com/go-2-tender/ Link http://www.intertradeireland.com/tendersuccessfully/ http://www.intertradeireland.com/go-2-tender/ Agency Responsible: Intertrade Ireland Funding: | No | Regional & Cross Border | Download |
| Ireland | HPSU Feasibility Study Grant | Grants | This Study Grant assists a new start-up company or individual entrepreneur to investigate the viability of a new export orientated business or proposition. Link https://www.enterprise-ireland.com/en/Funding-Supports/Company/HPSU-Funding/HPSU-Feasibility-Study-Grant-.html Agency Responsible: Enterprise Ireland Funding: | No | National | Download |
| Ireland | SEAI Energy Advice and Mentoring | Advice | SEAI provides free, one-to-one advice and mentoring to private-sector SMEs from one of our specialist energy advisors. These advisors help and motivate SMEs to assess their own energy use, to identify opportunities for savings and to take action to realise these savings. This is also available for startups Link http://www.seai.ie/Your_Business/Energy_Advice_Mentoring Agency Responsible: Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) Funding: | No | National | Download |
| Ireland | SME Support Tool | Advice | Visit the SME support Tool to see what supports are available to help a business to grow. There are over 170 government supports available to Irish Start Ups and small Businesses. The online tool will quickly help highlight relevant, available supports. Further information can be found at https://www.djei.ie/en/ Action Plan for Jobs http://www.actionplanforjobs.ie/ Link http://www.supportingsmes.ie/businessdetails.aspx Agency Responsible: Department of Jobs Enterprise and Innovation Funding: | No | National | Download |
| Ireland | Ocean Energy Prototype Development Fund | Funding | SEAI is a member of OCEANERA-NET, a network of 16 national and regional funders and managers of research and innovation programmes, from 9 European Countries. The objective of OCEANERA-NET is to coordinate funding programmes between European countries and regions to support research and innovation in the ocean energy sector. OCEANERA-NET will work towards joint calls for collaborative research and innovation projects. For more information see the OCEANERA-NET website: http://www.oceaneranet.eu/ The main focus of the Prototype Development Fund programme is to stimulate the development and deployment of Ocean Energy (OE) devices and systems. As such, the emphasis is on industry-led projects for the following types of activities: • Industry-led projects to develop and test wave and tidal energy capture devices and systems; • Independent monitoring of projects and technologies • Industry-led research and development (R&D) aimed at the integration of ocean energy into the electricity market and the national electricity grid (and network); • Data monitoring, forecasting, communications and control of OE systems; • Specific industry-led research projects which will be carried out by research centres, third level institutions and centres of excellence with a high level of expertise in the relevant area Maximum and minimum funding available Link http://www.seai.ie/Renewables/Ocean-Energy/Prototype-Development-Fund/ Agency Responsible: Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) Funding: | Yes | National | Download |
| Ireland | Innovation Voucher for start-up companies | Grants | This voucher provides funding towards collaborating with registered college or knowledge provider to explore a business opportunity or technical problem. This is only available for startups. This is available for all sectors but may be particularly useful for those in the renewable energy sector. Link http://www.enterprise-ireland.com/en/Funding-Supports/Company/HPSU-Funding/Innovation-Voucher.html Agency Responsible Enterprise Ireland Funding | No | National | Download |
| Ireland | Innovation Partnership Grant Programme | Grants | This Programme provides financial support to companies who engage in collaborative research projects with Irish universities or Institutes of Technology (IOTs). The Innovation Partnership Programme can help you to take your business to the next level. Enterprise Ireland can help your company to access the latest skills and expertise from research institutes throughout Ireland. The Innovation Partnership Programme can provide up to 80% of the cost of research work to develop new and improved products, processes or services, or generate new knowledge and know-how. In an independent survey of companies that participated in the Innovation Partnership Programme: • 96% of respondents would be willing to recommend the Programme to other businesses. • 71% of participant companies surveyed said that their objectives were largely or fully achieved. • Each €1 of funding invested by Enterprise Ireland in Innovation Partnerships delivered €7.71 Net Turnover Impact at the company side. Link http://www.enterpriseireland.ie/EI_Corporate/en/Research-Innovation/Companies/IPP-Brochure.pdf Agency Responsible Enterprise Ireland Funding | No | National | Download |
| Ireland | EURES | Employment Support | The European Employment Services (EURES) team can help employers who have difficulty recruiting staff in Ireland or who wish to broaden their skill base with access to jobseekers in other EU and EEA countries. As a citizen of a country within the European Economic Area (EEA), you are entitled to work in any other EEA country without a work permit as a salaried employee or a self-employed individual. The EURES European Job Mobility Portal, established by the European Commission helps you to find available opportunities. By selecting 'search for a job', you can access job vacancies in 32 countries (the EEA plus Switzerland), updated in real time. Link http://www.welfare.ie/en/Pages/European-Recruitment-Service-(EURES)_holder.aspx Agency Responsible: Department of Social Protection Funding: | No | National | Download |
| Ireland | The EmployAbility Service | Employment Support | The nationwide EmployAbility Service provides an employment support service for people with a health condition, injury, illness or disability and a recruitment advice service for the business community. Link http://www.welfare.ie/en/Pages/List-of-Employability-Organisations.aspx Agency Responsible: Department of Social Protection Funding: | No | National | Download |
| Ireland | The Wage Subsidy Scheme | Employment Support | The Wage Subsidy Scheme provides financial incentives to employers to employ disabled people who work more than 20 hours per week. Link http://www.welfare.ie/en/Pages/Wage-Subsidy-Scheme_holder_3176.aspx Agency Responsible: Department of Social Protection Funding: | No | National | Download |
| Ireland | Work Place Supports | Employment Support | A number of practical supports and allowances are available to companies to proactively assist the participation of people with a disability in the workforce. There are schemes available to support companies to employ someone with a disability, or to retain an employee who has acquired an impairment or illness Link http://www.welfare.ie/en/Pages/Workplace-Supports_holder.aspx Agency Responsible: Department of Social Protection Funding: | No | National | Download |
| Ireland | Enterprise Space / Incubation space | Incubation & Office Space | Three examples are given: The GTC provides a dynamic office space with business support services in a connected network of entrepreneurs, high growth companies, investors and support agencies. http://www.gtc.ie/ Fiontarlann is a 6100 sq ft Incubation and Enterprise Centre in Donegal providing office space with business support services in a connected network of entrepreneurs, high growth companies, investors and support agencies. http://www.fiontarlann.com WestBIC Roscommon region provides hotdesking / office space with business support services in a connected network of entrepreneurs, with business support. Link http://www.westbic.ie/ Agency Responsible: WestBIC (Business Innovation Centre) Funding: | No | National (Local allocation) | Download |
| NI | Invest NI | Grants | The start-up financial support is generally limited to businesses that intend to sell outside Northern Ireland. Invest NI approach to supporting businesses is based on three key elements: • Providing information and advice, directly and through a range of information services. • Providing support to people wanting to set up their own business and helping new and existing businesses grow and move into new markets. • Providing tailored support to businesses that can make the greatest contribution to increasing productivity, innovation and export growth in Northern Ireland. Because their resources are limited they primarily support those businesses that can make the biggest contribution to the economy. Criteria typically used to determine whether a business can become an Invest NI client includes: Turnover exceeding £250K annually with over 25% being classed as export sales. If a business based in Northern Ireland can show that it intends to sell outside Northern Ireland, is actively pursuing growth plans and will contribute to increasing productivity and innovation in Northern Ireland, you could become an Account Managed customer with Invest NI. Detailed financial plans for three to five years will be needed to become an Invest NI Client along with full current accounts. Once classed as an Invest NI Client you have access to a number of supports including; - Access to wide range of expertise particular in export trade, IT, Innovation and sustainability. - Grant Aid for staffing (specific roles including sales and IT roles) - Grant Aid for ecommerce websites and online sales – typically 75% - Grant Aid to travelling to Trade Shows and meeting with export customers. - Branding and Design programmes - Innovation support from Intellectual Property and patents and product development. - Mentoring programmes in the area of sales, finances etc. - Research and development teams and associate grant aid. - Market research with a full business research library located through Business Information Services. Range of Invest NI offices across Northern Ireland with a number of Client Executives dealing with businesses and specialist staff based primarily in Belfast. Their Invest Growth Proof of Concept Fund provides grants to individuals, start-up businesses, micro enterprises and small or medium sized businesses to help them fully develop and test their ideas. Invest NI also have a Proof of Concept programme that offers funding to local universities and research organisations to help researchers take their ideas out of the lab and into the market. This is now only available for the renewable energy sector. Invest NI will support all types of business; however they are very interested in businesses linked to improving the environment. Link https://www.investni.com Agency Responsible: Invest NI Funding: A suite of six funds totalling more than £170 million to help SMEs with high growth potential, like yours, to forge ahead. Funding typically is set at 75% of the needed cost dependant on the area of support. | No | Regional | Download |
| NI | Intertrade Ireland | Grants | InterTrade Ireland helps SME’s across the island of Ireland by offering practical cross border business funding, intelligence and contacts. Grant aid is provided for mentoring support and staff subsidies to any business located on the Island of Ireland who want to begin or grow cross border trading. They offer support to businesses new to cross border trade with New to Accelerate Vouchers offering support up to value of £10,000. Go to Tender Programmme: Tendering and procurement training and one to one mentoring for businesses who want to expand through tendering particularly on a cross border level. Meet the Buyer event: Free event to allow businesses to meet with key buyers from the public sector. Sales development support: Staff subsides and graduate programmes for companies who want to develop and grow cross border sales. Acumen programme: Offering 50% of sales person salary to a maximum of £15k grant. Elevate programme offering consultancy support up to the value of £5k specific to growing cross border trade Innovation in business support for businesses completing cross border trading. Graduate support for developing new product and innovative processes – maximum aid £44,250. Various other supports available if business is eligible. This is available for all sectors. InterTrade Ireland will support all types of business that are interested in expanding cross border trading. Link www.intertradeireland.com Agency Responsible: InterTrade Ireland Funding: High calibre businesses will only be accepted. Various levels of funding – as detailed above. | No | National | Download |
| NI | Northern Ireland Renewables Industry Group | Advice | Regional support, covering all of NI and businesses interested in investment to NI. Provides the companies it represents with knowledge and advice on marine and wind renewable energy projects/ ideas. It has well developed sub groups which are capable of dealing any of these areas: • Planning & environment • Markets • Grid • Marine energy This support is available for any business looking advice and support in terms of renewable energies can become a member and seek advice. Link http://www.ni-rig.org/ Agency Responsible: Northern Ireland Renewables Industry Group Funding: n/a | No | Regional | Download |
| NI | Carbon Trust | Training | Carbon Zero Northern Ireland provides technology development and innovation support to Industry and will deliver an extensive array of training courses focused on developing a skilled workforce in renewable energy in Northern Ireland. The courses will cover the areas of: • Renewable energy awareness for homes and business • Renewable energy technologies including Wind, Solar, Biomass and Hydro • Waste management • Responsible sourcing of materials • Sustainable construction Current R&D under the Carbon Zero NI programme will position Northern Ireland as an international player in the sustainable development and clean energy sectors This is a sector wide initiative by the Further Education sector under the leadership of the South West College in Northern Ireland and is supported by the Department of Employment and Learning in Northern Ireland through the Innovation Fund, Employer Support Programme. Courses developed under the Carbon Zero NI programme will address the ever increasing need for skills and knowledge in the area of clean energy development in Northern Ireland. For more information on the courses offered by each Further Education College under the Carbon Zero NI Programme click on any of the College logos below: • Belfast Met • Northwest regional college • South West College • Southern Regional College Research The technical research will focus on three key areas of growth in Northern Ireland: • Wind Energy • Energy from Waste • Clean Energy Storage These technologies have been identified as areas that require immediate support in relation to dedicated research and development as they are evolving rapidly at both a local and international level. This support is specifically available for all types of renewable energy. Link http://www.energiavirasto.fi/en/web/energy-authority/feed-in-tariff Agency Responsible: Energy Authority Funding: Tariff depends on the target price and average three-month market price of electricity. The system is temporary, until the combined capacity of the generators is exceeded. (wind 2500 MVA, biogas 19 MVA, wood fuels 150 MVA or 50 generators). | Yes | Regional & Local | Download |
| NI | CAFRE – College of Agriculture, Food & Rural Development | Training | CAFRE offers a range of support services to ensure your time at College is both educational and enjoyable. At all campuses the support of students is a priority for College staff. College of Agriculture, Food and Rural Enterprise is a public tertiary level land-based college offering training in agriculture, food technology, horticulture, equine and agri-business operating at three sites in Northern Ireland. This training is based on all types of businesses related to agriculture and environmental sector. Link http://www.cafre.ac.uk/ Agency Responsible: CAFRE – College of Agriculture, Food & Rural Development Funding: | No | Regional & Local | Download |
| NI | Invest NI Innovation Vouchers | Grants | An Innovation Voucher offers small or medium sized busineses £5000 to ‘purchase’ specialist knowledge from one of 39 respected universities, colleges and research organisations throughout Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. This will help you to develop solutions to business issues, or improve or create products, services and processes that will help your business compete more effectively. Typical projects we support include: • Ideas for new or improved products, processes and services. • Product and service testing. • Access to information and expertise on new materials. • Tapping into research and scientific research The Innovation Voucher Scheme, run by Invest NI and Enterprise Ireland, is designed to help you tap into specialist knowledge to develop forward-thinking solutions or ideas to expand, improve or create new products, services and processes. You do not need to be an Invest NI or Enterprise Ireland client company to apply. This is available to all businesses. Link http://www.investni.com/support-for-business/funding-for-business/funding-for-innovation-and-research-and-development.html Agency Responsible: Invest NI Funding: £5000 | No | National | Download |
| NI | Tech Start Up | Advice | As a team, we work tirelessly to help our companies win customers, make key hires, and develop strategies and tactics to achieve the fastest possible growth in the value of the company. We seek to be trusted peers and partners to help entrepreneurs realise their vision with experienced and timely support. With our backing, Founders can focus on customer development and validating their business model. In a competitive basis this fund seeks to support entrepreneurs with grants directed towards exploring the viability and commercial potential of an innovative concept. This support is based on all types of Technologies. Link http://www.techstartni.com/ Agency Responsible: TechStartNI Funding: "Concept" grant (of up to £10k) and a "Concept Plus" grant (of up to £25k). | No | Regional | Download |
| NI | Action Renewables | Advice | Action Renewables support commercial renewable energy development, develop and support European Projects, offer quality assurance to the renewable energy industry (Micro-generation Certification Scheme MCS) and provide advice and information to Government. As an organisation we deliver a wide range of services and activities which include supporting commercial renewable energy development, developing and supporting European Projects, offering quality assurance to the renewable energy industry and providing advice and information to Government. In addition to our current list of services we are also happy to undertake bespoke services for our clients. Link http://actionrenewables.co.uk/ Agency Responsible: Action Renewables Funding: N/A | Yes | Regional | Download |
| Norway | Start UP Grants | Grants | Money to establish business Link http://www.innovasjonnorge.no/ Agency Responsible: Innovation Norway Funding: €10.000,- | No | National (Regional allocation) | Download |
| Norway | Business Loans | Loans | IN can give finance support to businesses after application: 1) Short Time loans 2) Investments Link http://www.innovasjonnorge.no/ Agency Responsible: Innovation Norway Funding: Subject to need (limited) in cooperation with bank loans. | No | National (Regional allocation) | Download |
| Norway | Narvik Capital | Development Funding | Funding to start-ups that has a growth potential in combination with other funding. Step by step funding/investment. Link http://www.fpn.no/ Agency Responsible: Narvik Kapital Funding: Takes per cent ownership in companies due to investment | No | Local | Download |
| Norway | Forte Narvik | Development Funding | Funding to start-ups that has a growth potential in combination with other funding. Step by step funding/investment. Link http://www.forte.narvik.no/ http://www.energiavirasto.fi/en/web/energy-authority/feed-in-tariff Agency Responsible: Forte Narvik Funding: Dependent on investment strategy | No | Local | Download |
| Norway | Norinnova Invest | Development Funding | Funding to start-ups that has a growth potential in combination with other funding. Step by step funding/investment. Link http://www.norinnova.invest.no/ Agency Responsible: Norinnova Invest Funding: Dependent on investment strategy | No | Local | Download |
| Norway | Equity Investment | Investment | Growth Business Investment available from 1) Hitech Vision Private Equity 2) Norvestor Equity 3) FSN Capital 4) Altor Equity Link Equity Funding Norway Agency Responsible: Equity Funding Norway Funding: Dependent on Investment Strategy | No | National | Download |
| Norway | Venture Capital Investment | Investment | Investment in start-up technology business available from 1) Energy venture 2) Northzone Venture 3) Verdan capital Link Venture Capital Funding Norway Agency Responsible: Venture Capital Funding Norway Funding: Dependent on Investment Strategy | No | National | Download |
| Norway | Green Certificates | Subsidies | Incentives to produce more renewable energy in Norway. An extra income of 1,5-2 Euro Cent/KWh is available. This support is relevant for the larger Solar PV Systems Link http://www.enova.no/ Agency Responsible: Skatteetaten Funding: Based on production | Yes | National | Download |
| Norway | Enova-Projects | Development Funding | Development and introduction of new energy and technologies in the market. - Energy Efficiency projects - Households – Phase out oil boilers - Energy recovery (Industry) - Subsidy Programmes to increase the demand of renewable energy - Energy measures - Making products available in the market - Testing of products - Nationwide information and advisery service Link http://www.enova.no/ Agency Responsible: Enova Funding: Dependent on programme/Incentives | Yes | National | Download |
| Norway | National Investment Support | Subsidies | Welfare support to private households and commercial buildings 1) Private Households: a) Solar Heating: Euro 1000 + Euro 20/m2 collector area b) Solar Electricity: Euro 1000 + Euro 12,5/KWh 2) Commercial buildings: a) Solar Heating: Euro 20/m2 collector area b) Solar electricity: No investment support – up to 50% if new technology Link http://www.enova.no/ Agency Responsible: Enova Funding: Dependent on private household or commercial building and energy production | Yes | National | Download |
| Norway | Concessions for Hydro Power Plants | Subsidies | Concessions area available for Energy Production in Hydro Power Plants. Major Development Projects – The King in Council has been given licensing authority for projects pursuant to the Watercourse Regulation Act and developments with installations exceeding 10 MW pursuant to the Water Resources Act. The NVE handles the work during the application process. Hydro Power Plants exceeding 10MW or with an annual production exceeding 50 GWh are always subject to clarification via-a-via the Master Plan for Water Resources. Projects which require processing pursuant to the Master Plan for Water Resources must submit an application to the NVE, which will process it in collaboration with the Directorate for Nature Management. The Ministry will prepare the project for the King in Council and present a recommendation. The recommendation is drawn up based on the application, The NVE’s recommendation, the opinion of affected ministries and local authorities, as well as the Ministry’s own assessments. More information is available at the Oil and Energy Department/ Norwegian Water resources and Energy Directorate www.NVE.no Link http://www.oed.no/ Agency Responsible: Norwegian Water Resources and Energy Directorate Funding: No funding available | Yes | National | Download |
| Norway | Concessions for Small Hydro Power Plants | Subsidies | Concession are available for Energy Production in Small Hydro Power Plants. The NVE has been delegated the licensing authority pursuant to the Water Resources Act for power plants with an installed capacity below 10MW and without water regulation exceeding the licensing limit in the Watercourse Regulation Act. Small Hydro Power Plants are subject to somewhat simpler procedures than major projects, which contributes to faster processing for these projects. The Ministry has published Guidelines for SHPP with the aim of facilitating regional planning and strengthening the basis for comprehensive, efficient and predictable licence processing. Link http://www.oed.no/ http://www.nve.no/ Agency Responsible: Norwegian Water Resources and Energy Directorate Funding: No funding available | Yes | National | Download |
| Norway | Innovation Norway – Mentoring Programme | Mentoring | Focus on export. This is a regional, national and international service available for all sector. Some of the offices can provide specific services to renewable energy businesses. Link http://www.innovasjonnorge.no/ Agency Responsible: Innovation Norway Funding: 30 – 100 hours free of charge | No | National & Regional | Download |
| Norway | Norwegian Solar Energy Society | Advice | Focus on: 1) Solar PV 2) Solar Electricity 3) Solar Heating 4) Networking activities 5) Promotes increased knowledge and use of solar energy 6) Business opportunities 7) Research and Development Projects Link http://www.solenergi.no/ Agency Responsible: Norsk Solenergiforening – Norwegian Solar Energy Society Funding: No funding available | Yes | National (Regional allocation) | Download |
| Norway | UIT – Arctic University, Technology Department | Advice | Research on Renewable Energy Link http://www.uit.no/ Agency Responsible: UIT - Arctic University of Norway Funding: | No | National (Local allocation) | Download |
| Norway | NORUT NARVIK | Advice | Research on Renewable Energy – Solar PV Link http://www.norut.no/ Agency Responsible: Norut Narvik Funding: | Yes | Local | Download |
| Norway | SIVA INCUBATOR | Development Funding | Reduced office price - Business consult (25% payment – 75% support) - Development of Business Model - Funding Link http://www.fpn.no/ Agency Responsible: SIVA/NSP Funding: No funding available | No | Regional & Local | Download |
| Scotland | UK Green Investment Bank plc (GIB) | Equity & Loans | This funding institution was created by the UK Government to attract private sector investment in areas relating to environmental preservation and improvement – of which renewable energy are a major element. Financing can be for a wide variety of projects including the deployment of new technologies, community scale projects as well as larger renewable energy developments such as large offshore wind farms. So far Scotland has seen very little benefit from this scheme. This support is available for both renewables and energy efficiency. Link http://www.greeninvestmentbank.com/ Agency Responsible: UK Green Investment Bank plc Funding: Backs small project of £2m to large projects of £1bn. | Yes | National | Download |
| Scotland | Scottish Innovative Foundation Technologies fund | Grants | The aim of the fund is to help drive down the cost of energy and develop the offshore wind sector in Scotland through innovation in deep-water offshore wind foundation design and installation. Although the funding is open to larger organisations it is also available for SMEs. Link http://www.scottish-enterprise.com/services/develop-new-products-and-services/sift/overview Agency Responsible: Scottish Enterprise Funding: Up to £15 million available, rates of support vary depending on project | Yes | Regional | Download |
| Scotland | InnovFin Energy Demo Projects | Loans | InnovFin Energy Demo Projects provides loans or loan guarantees between €7.5 million and €75 million to first-of-a-kind commercial-scale demonstration projects in the fields of renewable energy and hydrogen and fuel cells, helping to bridge the gap from demonstration to commercialisation. Link http://www.eib.org/products/blending/innovfin/products/energy-demo-projects.htm Agency Responsible: European Investment Bank Funding: Loans and guarantees from €7.5 million to €75 million. The total project costs must be a minimum of €15 million. | Yes | European | Download |
| Scotland | Barclays Renewable Energy Fund | Loans | The £100 million fund for loans is designed to help farmers in the UK meet the costs of renewable energy initiatives like wind farms, solar panels, organic waste power and hydro plants. With the changes to the feed-in tariff the effectiveness of this scheme is likely to be reduced. Link https://www.mygov.scot/barclays-renewable-energy-fund/ https://www.barclayscorporate.com/ Agency Responsible: Barclays bank Funding: A term loan of £25,000 and above is available. | Yes | National | Download |
| Scotland | EIB - European Fund for Strategic Investments (EFSI) | Equity & Loans | EFSI is an EU initiative which aims to help overcome the investment gap in the EU by mobilising private financing for strategic investments. SMEs interested in EFSI transactions financed via the EIF (European Investment Fund) should refer to information on EIF financial intermediaries: After the UK exit from Europe the status of this fund in Scotland is uncertain Link http://www.eif.org/index.htm Agency Responsible: European Investment Fund Funding: No specific maximum or minimum requirements in place. | No | National | Download |
| Scotland | District Heating Loan Fund | Loans | Loans offered on a commercial basis for both renewable and low carbon, low emission technologies in Scotland, for heating distributed through a network of pipes to provide space and water heating in homes or offices. Although it support is designed to promote renewable energy any business may apply. Loans of up to £500,000 per project are available over a 10 or 15 year period. Link https://www.mygov.scot/district-heating-loan-fund/ http://www.energysavingtrust.org.uk/scotland Agency Responsible: Energy Saving Trust Scotland Funding: £500,000 which may be repaid over either a 10 or 15 year period. Loan terms for larger projects that exceed £500,000 may be considered on a case by case basis. | No | Regional | Download |
| Scotland | Resource Efficient Scotland SME loans | Loans | SME loans of £1,000 to £100,000 are available to help businesses to reduce their carbon emissions, save money and increase their competitiveness. Funded by the Scottish Government, the scheme aims to support businesses that are looking to reduce costs through improved energy, material resource and water efficiency.Resource Efficient Scotland provide advice and support to prospective applicants. A comprehensive list of eligible measures qualify for the loan, including; renewable technologies, a range of commercial and industrial energy efficiency measures, building fabric improvements, waste reduction and water saving equipment. The Energy Saving Trust administer the scheme and are responsible for the assessment and processing of applications. Link http://www.resourceefficientscotland.com/content/loans-small-medium-businesses http://www.energysavingtrust.org.uk/scotland Agency Responsible: Resource Efficient Scotland Funding: £1,000 to £100,000 | Yes | Regional | Download |
| Scotland | Scottish Investment Bank | Equity & Loans | The Scottish Venture Fund The Scottish Venture Fund invests in companies from start-ups, early-stage to expanding businesses seeking funding to develop products and/or markets. This fund can invest alongside private sector investors on equal terms, up to a maximum of 50% of the total funding package on a commercial basis. Match funding will be provided in the range from £10,000 up to £2 million, as part of a total deal size ranging from £20,000 to £10 million. https://www.scottish-enterprise.com/services/attract-investment/scottish-venture-fund/svf-overview Scottish Loan Fund The Scottish Loan Fund provides loans ranging from £250,000 to £5 million to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). It is designed for businesses that are looking for capital to help drive their expansion plans. It provides mezzanine finance, a product that sits between debt and equity and is used to fund companies with positive cash flow and significant growth ambitions. This support is not specific to Renewable Energy, but to SME’s in general. Link https://www.scottish-enterprise.com/about-us/what-we-do/investment/sib Agency Responsible: Scottish Enterprise Funding: 50% of the total funding package from £20,000 to £10 million for the Venture Fund. Loans ranging from £250,000 to £5 million to SMEs for the Loan Fund | No | Regional | Download |
| Scotland | Highland Venture Capital | Equity | Highland Venture Capital was formed in 2006 with the aim of of providing a source of equity finance for growing or new-start businesses. Our investment criteria are:- • Companies requiring £75k or greater. • A preference for companies operating in the Highlands • A preference for companies wanting to supply their goods and services beyond the Highlands There is a preference for companies wanting to supply their goods and services beyond the Highlands. Link http://www.hie.co.uk/business-support/funding/highland-venture-capital/default.html Agency Responsible: Highlands & Islands Enterprise (HIE) Funding: Minimum £75,000 | No | National (Local allocation) | Download |
| Scotland | Enterprise Investment Scheme | Taxation / Tax relief | The purpose of the support is to encourage investment to companies not listed on the stock exchange and often have a high level of associated. The headline benefits are: • 30% upfront Income tax relief up to maximum investment of £1 million, which can be carried back to the previous tax year • 100% Inheritance Tax relief (provided the investments have been held for at least 2 years at time of death) • Capital gains tax deferral for the life of the investment • Tax-free growth • Tax relief from investment losses HM Revenue and Customs and administered through their Small Company Enterprise Centre office. Link https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/the-enterprise-investment-scheme-introduction Agency Responsible: HM Revenue and Customs Funding: The maximum tax relief is £300,000 | No | National | Download |
| Scotland | Seed Enterprise Investment Scheme | Taxation / Tax relief | The scheme aims to encourage investment in start-ups which are otherwise deemed too risky. The headline benefits are: • Investors get 50% income tax relief on the cost of shares, for a maximum annual investment of £100,000. • No Capital Gains Tax is paid on profits earned on shares held for more than three years. Capital gains which are realised before three years has expired, but which are reinvested into qualifying SEIS shares, are also exempt from Capital gains tax (again £100,000 limit). • If the company goes bankrupt, investors may claim loss relief on their investment which is equal to half of their total investment multiplied by their tax rate. • 100% Inheritance Tax relief. HM Revenue and Customs and administered through their Small Company Enterprise Centre office. Link https://www.gov.uk/guidance/seed-enterprise-investment-scheme-background Agency Responsible: HM Revenue and Customs Funding: Cannot raise more than £150,000 through the scheme | No | National | Download |
| Scotland | Low carbon heat expert support – Scottish Enterprise | Training | Low Carbon Heat Expert Support programme offers Scottish-based companies access to free support through a series of workshops and up to two days one-to-one technical market support offering advice and guidance on how to make the most of the opportunities in low carbon heat. This advice could focus on: • Market entry requirements • Your company’s current capabilities (e.g. skills, processes) and its potential in relation to current low carbon heat opportunities • Suitability of a specific product to the sector • Market/supply chain positioning and contacts Link https://www.scottish-enterprise.com/services/develop-new-products-and-services/low-carbon-heat-support/overview Agency Responsible: Scottish Enterprise Funding: Not applicable | No | Regional | Download |
| Scotland | High Growth Start Up | Advice | High Growth Start Up service can offer intensive support to: • Develop your business plan • Seek funders, investors, loans and grants • Build your management and non-executive teams • Protect your intellectual assets This support is open to any business which wants to scale up. Link https://www.scottish-enterprise.com/services/support-for-entrepreneurs/high-growth-support/whats-involved Agency Responsible: Scottish Enterprise Funding: Not applicable | No | Regional | Download |
| Scotland | Low Carbon Skills Fund | Training | The LCSF enables small businesses from any sector to access training in low carbon methods. Up to £5,000 is available. We refund up to 50% of employee training costs, up to a maximum of £1,000 per employee. • Training might include: • Energy efficiency measures • Waste management and re-use • Energy assessors or advisers • Sustainable resource management • Installing microgeneration products such as biomass boilers, ground source heat pumps, or solar panels. Link https://www.skillsdevelopmentscotland.co.uk/what-we-do/our-products/low-carbon-skills-fund/ Agency Responsible: Skills Development Scotland Funding: £5,000 | No | Regional | Download |
| Scotland | 2015 – 2018 Business Plan | Advice | Scottish Enterprise is a sponsored (but non-departmental) Scottish Government body. The 2015 – 2018 Business plan sets out their approach to delivering economic growth for Scotland. Whilst not exclusively aimed at renewable energy it is relevant to many schemes. Particularly pertinent is the aim to encourage innovation in SMEs. This support relates to renewables but non-renewable businesses can apply. More information is available at https://www.scottish-enterprise.com/services Link http://www.scottish-enterprise.com/about-us/what-we-do/business-plan Agency Responsible: Scottish Enterprise Funding: N/A | No | Regional | Download |
| Scotland | Marine Energy Parks | Networking Support | Marine Energy Parks (MEPs) are a UK government initiative that brings together local and national government, Local Enterprise Partnerships, technology developers, academia and industry for the development of the marine energy sector, with the aim of creating a supportive business environment for accelerating the commercialisation of wave and tidal technology. MEPs should help provide an arena where SMEs can provide their services to this growing sector. This support is focussed on renewable energy business but it can benefit others. Link http://www.hi-energy.org.uk/hi-marine-energy-park.htm Agency Responsible: HI Energy Funding: N/A | Yes | National (Regional allocation) | Download |
| Scotland | Scotland’s International Technology and Renewable Energy Zone (ITREZ) | Networking Support | The project aim is to bring business and academia together by stimulating co-location, innovation, and investment in Scotland’s offshore renewable energy sector. Centered in Glasgow, ITREZ has two purpose built buildings: 'inovo', and the Technology and Innovation Centre, acting as a hub for around 450 renewables engineers and project managers, and 850 energy academics and researchers. For SMEs the project allows them to be located closer to large industry within ITREZ. Link http://www.scottish-enterprise.com/services/develop-new-products-and-services/itrez/overview Agency Responsible: Scottish Enterprise Funding: N/A | Yes | Regional | Download |
| Scotland | European Marine Energy Centre (EMEC) | Research & Development | EMEC is an accredited test and research centre for wave and tidal stream devices based in Orkney, off the north coast of mainland Scotland. It provides developers with the opportunity to test full-scale prototype devices in high energy wave and tidal environments. In addition to full scale test sites there are also nursery sites for testing of small scale prototypes. Although the test centre is based in Orkney it has been used by many developers (including international). As a result of EMEC there has been substantial growth in Orkney based around or stemming from the marine energy industry (including enterprises set up for servicing devices). Link http://www.emec.org.uk/ Agency Responsible: EMEC Funding: Rather than providing funding this is testing enabler scheme. | Yes | Local | Download |
| Scotland | SMART: Scotland | Grants | Feasibility studies Supports up to 70% of the eligible costs for a small SME and up to 60% of the eligible costs for a medium SME: • A Small SME has less than 50 employees and a turnover of less than €10m • A Medium SME has 50-250 employees and a turnover of less than €50m Studies must last between 6 and 18 months, and the maximum grant is £100,000. One third of the grant is paid upfront when the project starts. The remainder is paid quarterly in arrears against claims submitted. R&D Projects This covers projects that aim to develop a pre-production prototype of a new product or process. Support is available at up to 35 per cent of the eligible project costs. Projects must last between 6 and 36 months, and the maximum grant is £600,000. The grant is paid quarterly in arrears and minimum total project cost is £75,000. Link http://www.scottish-enterprise.com/services/develop-new-products-and-services/smart-scotland/overview Agency Responsible: Scottish Enterprise Funding: For feasibility maximum £100k, for R&D £600k | No | Regional | Download |
| Scotland | Research & Development (R&D) Grant | Grants | Projects typically last 6 to 36 months, and the grant can cover up to 50% of the project costs. The project must represent a significant innovation for the company concerned and significant risks should be associated with the challenge of developing a new product, process or service. It’s got to be new, they don’t support projects where the work has already started or commercial contracts are in place. This support is open to new research and development. Grants are available at: • For ALL SMEs applying for a grant in excess of £100k, SE are providing an intervention rate of 35% up to 50%. • Grants above £100,000 must demonstrate a positive impact on R&D jobs in Scotland. An understanding is required to why the support is needed and consequences if support isn't available. Link https://www.scottish-enterprise.com/services/develop-new-products-and-services/rd-grant/overview Agency Responsible: Scottish Enterprise Funding: No limit | No | Regional | Download |
| Scotland | Scottish Energy Laboratory | Research & Development | The Scottish Energy Laboratory (SEL) gives national and international companies access to Scotland's key. Through the SEL identify test facilities and services such as: • Wind tunnels and wave tanks • High voltage network connection • Mechanical testing of large components • Performance testing of energy conversion and storage technologies • Electrical testing of motors, generators and power electronics It includes capabilities like the European Marine Energy Centre (EMEC) in Orkney, International Technology & Renewable Energy Zone (ITREZ) in Glasgow, the Energy Technology Centre in East Kilbride, the Hydrogen Office at Energy Park Fife and the Energy Technology Partnership across 12 Scottish Universities. This support is available for the entire energy sector and not just renewables. Link https://www.scottish-enterprise.com/services/develop-new-products-and-services/scottish-energy-laboratory/overview Agency Responsible: Scottish Enterprise Funding: Not applicable | No | National & International | Download |
| Scotland | High-Growth Spinout Programme | Grants | The High-Growth Spinout Programme helps researchers to take their ideas and inventions from the lab to the global marketplace by awarding funding and support. High-Growth Spinout Programme awards cover 100% of direct project costs prior to company formation. The programme does not pay overhead costs. Support is divided into three phases, with progress from one phase to the next being dependent on rigorous assessment. Payments are made quarterly, subject to satisfactory progress being made on the project. Link https://www.scottish-enterprise.com/services/support-for-entrepreneurs/high-growth-spinout-programme/overview Agency Responsible: Scottish Enterprise Funding: No limit set | No | Regional | Download |
| Scotland | Community And Renewable Energy Scheme (CARES) | Grants | The scheme is aimed at renewable projects that offer significant community engagement and benefit, providing loans towards the high risk, pre-planning consent stages of renewable energy projects. The Scottish Government’s Community Energy Policy Statement and Good Practice for community benefit and shared ownership means all CARES applications require a degree of community ownership. This support is specific for locally-owned renewable energy projects. Link http://www.localenergyscotland.org/funding-resources/funding/applying-to-cares/ Agency Responsible: Local energy Scotland Funding: Up to £150,000 | Yes | Regional | Download |
| Scotland | Community Energy Scotland | Advice | CES is a Scottish registered charity that provides support throughout the process of community renewable energy developments. The charity is member based and facilitates knowledge transfer through partners. CES provides Social Enterprise/Community Enterprise Support and also provides consultancy services Link http://www.communityenergyscotland.org.uk/index.asp Agency Responsible: Community Energy Scotland (CES) Funding: N/A | Yes | Regional | Download |
| Scotland | Local Energy Scotland | Advice | Offers a range of support for community and social enterprises who want to develop renewables. This includes information on renewable technologies and information on how to apply for funding. Link http://www.localenergyscotland.org/ Agency Responsible: Local Energy Scotland Funding: N/A | Yes | Regional | Download |
| Scotland | Highlands and Islands Shared Ownership Support | Advice | Highlands and Islands Enterprise are supporting a Shared Ownership Programme to accelerate Shared Ownership projects. The programme will undertake the following activities. • Community based workshops + training • Webinars • One to one support • Provision of specialist technical, financial and legal support • Resources and guidance tools to accelerate decision making Link http://www.hie.co.uk/community-support/community-energy/shared-ownership-of-renewables.html Agency Responsible: Highlands & Islands Enterprises (HIE) Funding: Not applicable | Yes | Local | Download |
| Scotland | Low Carbon Infrastructure Transition Programme (LCITP) | Grants & Loans | Launched in early 2015, the Low Carbon Infrastructure Transition Programme LCITP is a new working partnership between the Scottish Government, Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE), Scottish Enterprise, Scottish Futures Trust and sector specialists. It is aligned to the Scottish Government's commitment to the transition to the low carbon economy, and offers a range of support mechanisms. The Programme aims to support the development of substantive private, public and community low-carbon projects across Scotland through the provision of development support, expert advice and funding. It is designed to ensure that investment results in defined impacts for communities. Link http://www.gov.scot/Topics/Business-Industry/Energy/Action/lowcarbon/LCITP Agency Responsible: Highlands & Islands Enterprises (HIE) Funding: Not applicable | No | Local | Download |
| Scotland | CARES plus | Business Development | It’s a pilot ‘Fast-Track’ programme of support for selected community energy projects in the Highlands and Islands. It will work intensively with a limited number of advanced community energy projects to help them achieve key milestones towards financial close and installation. HIE have commissioned Community Energy Scotland (CES) to deliver this programme, which is provided at no cost to eligible organisations Link http://www.hie.co.uk/community-support/community-energy/cares-plus.html Agency Responsible: Community Energy Scotland (CES) Funding: Not applicable | Yes | Local | Download |
| Scotland | Scottish Communities Development Centre (SCDC) Community Support | Business Development | The nature of this support will vary depending on the particular needs or circumstances of the participating groups, but may include: • advice, guidance and signposting • access to tools and resources • training delivery • mentoring / practical support • connecting and networking. More information is available at Link http://www.scdc.org.uk/what/supporting-communities/ http://www.hie.co.uk/community-support/community-support/default.html Agency Responsible: Highlands & Islands Enterprises (HIE) Funding: Not applicable | No | Local | Download |
| Scotland | Contracts for Difference | Subsidies | A Contract for Difference (CFD) is a private law contract between a low carbon electricity generator and the Low Carbon Contracts Company (LCCC), a government-owned company. A generator party to a CFD is paid the difference between the ‘strike price’ – a price for electricity reflecting the cost of investing in a particular low carbon technology – and the ‘reference price’– a measure of the average market price for electricity in the GB market. To win a contract for difference renewable schemes have to bid against each other. Contracts for Difference are the main source of subsidy for renewable projects greater than 5 MW This is administered by Department of Energy and Climate Change through the Low Carbon Contracts Company. This scheme is the replacement of the UK Government’s old Renewable Obligation Certificate support scheme for large renewable projects. All low carbon forms of generation are eligible. Link https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/electricity-market-reform-contracts-for-difference Agency Responsible: Department of Energy and Climate Change Funding: Depends on several factors including renewable type and the contract decided. Less mature renewables are paid more. The payments are given per MWh of electricity generated. Project under 5 MW go through the feed-in tariff approach instead. There is no maximum project size. | No | National | Download |
| Scotland | Feed-in tariff | Subsidies | If an application is successful a set amount for each unit (kWh) of electricity generated is payed. The rates vary depending on: • the size of system • technology type • when the system was installed • for household projects how energy efficient the house is The feed-in tariff is the main support mechanism for renewable projects under 5 MW in size. The feed-in tariff system has seen dramatic changes (i.e. massive cuts), as a result the ability of many schemes to be profitable is now dramatically reduced and many companies particularly in the solar sector have gone out of business. Link https://www.ofgem.gov.uk/environmental-programmes/fit https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/department-of-energy-climate-change Agency Responsible: Department of Energy and Climate Change Funding: No minimum project size, maximum of 5 MW. Tariff depends on type of renewable, for example currently Micro CHP receives the highest FiT tariff. | Yes | National | Download |
| Scotland | Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) | Subsidies | The RHI is a government environmental programme that provides financial incentives to increase the uptake of renewable heat by businesses, the public sector and non-profit organisations. Eligible installations receive quarterly payments over 20 years based on the amount of heat generated. It is the major support mechanism in place for renewable heat, being the equivalent of what the feed-in tariff is for electricity. Businesses, public sector and non-profit organisations can apply if equipment was installed in England, Scotland or Wales on or after 15 July 2009 (or later in some cases). Installations must meet certain requirements. Available to any business which uses heating Link https://www.ofgem.gov.uk/environmental-programmes/non-domestic-rhi Agency Responsible: OFGEM Funding: Provides additional income for 20 years, this income depends on the amount of heat generated | No | National | Download |
| Scotland | Circular Economy Investment Fund | Grants | The Circular Economy Investment Fund is a funding opportunity for businesses and organisations in Scotland working in all business and social economy sectors. £18 million as grant funding to small and medium sized enterprises who are helping to create a more circular economy. Funding support can be provided for eligible operating and/or capital costs of the project, dependent upon which funding mechanism you select. Funding will only be provided in full where the costs (capital and operating) are utilised 100% for the purpose of the project. Link http://www.zerowastescotland.org.uk/circular-economy/investment-fund Agency Responsible: Zero Waste Scotland Funding: Non applicable | No | Regional | Download |
| Scotland | Innovate Your Business Support by HIE | Grants | Funding of up to £15,000 could be offered to SMEs through our Small Innovation Grant Schemes. This is made available throughout the year to applicants working in the Highlands and Islands, and available to businesses with no more than 250 employees. This support is available for all SMEs. Link http://www.hie.co.uk/business-support/innovation-r-d/iyb.htm Agency Responsible: Highlands & Islands Enterprises (HIE) Funding: Maximum £15,000 | No | Local | Download |
| Scotland | Start Global Programme | Training | The Start Global Programme is for new or early stage innovation driven companies with ambitions to go global. It’s an intensive 4 month programme, designed to challenge and help validate the business idea. The programme includes: • Workshops • Entrepreneurial training • One-to-one support • A market visit to explore global opportunities Link https://www.scottish-enterprise.com/knowledge-hub/articles/insight/how-to-start-global Agency Responsible: Scottish Enterprise Funding: Not applicable | No | Regional | Download |
| Scotland | Scotedge | Grants & Loans | Scottish EDGE is a competition aimed at identifying and supporting Scotland’s up-and-coming, innovative, high-growth potential entrepreneurial talent. Winners of the Scottish EDGE will benefit from: Funding of up to £100,000, taking the form of a 50% grant, 50% loan Mentoring and support from a mature entrepreneur Enrolment into the EDGE Alumni programme Package of Support from leading business organisations Link https://scottishedge.com/ Agency Responsible: Highlands & Islands Enterprises (HIE) Funding: Maximum £100,000 | No | Regional | Download |
| Country | Support | RE Specific? | Area Type |
LINKS
GREBE
If you are a renewable energy entrepreneur, or are involved in renewable energy policy making or implementing, or have a general interest in the development of renewable energy in your region, then, GREBE welcomes you to register your interest at http://grebeproject.eu/registration/ and become involved in the project.
© 2017 GREBE
