On Thursday 21 February 2013 the Challenge Fund was launched inviting outline applications under the East Midlands ERDF programme 2007 to 2013. The Prospectus for the East Midlands ERDF Challenge Fund can beviewed here . It is estimated that £35m is available under this Call for Activities.
The Challenge Fund is in relation to 2 of the priorities of the programme:
- Priority Axis 1: increasing productivity through innovation and sustainable business practice
- Priority Axis 2: increasing sustainable economic and enterprise activity in disadvantaged communities.
90% of the Challenge Fund is ring-fenced for large projects with a minimum ERDF threshold of £5 million that will deliver significant and tangible returns on economic growth.
The remaining 10% of the Challenge Fund is set aside for smaller projects with a minimum ERDF threshold of £500,000. Although priority will be given to applications which meet the minimum thresholds, applications which do not meet these will not be excluded.
Responses to the Challenge Fund must be made on an outline application form which is available in the detailed guide ERDF: national guidance.
Application deadline
The closing date for submitting large project outline applications (£2 million ERDF and above) is noon on Friday 22 March 2013.
The closing date for submitting small project outline applications (below £2 million ERDF) is noon on Friday 12 April 2013.
