Semperfli, successful recipients of PAPI grant funding.

Up to £20k funding available to Yorkshire SMEs: Q&A with PAPI Programme Manager Colin Poma-Young

The Product and Process Innovation (PAPI) project, funded by ERDF and delivered by the University of York, encourages innovation, with workshops and 40% capital grants (up to £20k) to support the creation of innovative new products and jobs.

Here, Programme Manager Colin Poma-Young answers common questions about the project and how it could help your business.

Q: What is PAPI and how can it support businesses?

A: PAPI is here to support regional economic growth by providing grants and workshops to help bring innovative new products to market.

Q: Who is eligible for the project?

A: SMEs in York, North Yorkshire, and Leeds City Region (which includes Leeds, Wakefield, Kirklees, Calderdale, Bradford, Craven, and Harrogate). For grants, the minimum project spend is £20k, and you need to be creating at least one new full time job as a result of the support. Workshop applicants need to be SMEs in the areas above, operating predominantly B2B, and looking to innovate and grow.

Q: How much funding could I get?

A: 40% grants, up to £20,000.

Q: What could I use the funding for?

A: Funding must be used to purchase equipment that facilitates the creation of a new product or service.

Colin Poma-Young, Programme Manager, PAPI

Q: What kind of equipment is eligible?

A: Grant recipients have bought a wide variety of equipment; from CNC cutting machines and coordinate measuring machines to packaging equipment and app building.

Q: Can you support digital projects?

A: PAPI has supported many digital and creative sector projects. Grants can be used to procure third-party solutions including building platforms, apps etc, as long as a new product/service is being brought to the market.

Q: How do I apply for a grant, what is the process?

A: Applicants complete a short expression of interest (EO) form, then, if eligible, a full application. We have experienced Innovation Advisers on hand to support and advise, even if you’re just making an initial enquiry.

Q: What are your Innovation Workshops? How could they benefit my business?

A: Our workshops are currently online, completely free-to-attend, and happen in 2-parts. The first part is a one-day event, professionally facilitated by a respected business coach. The second part takes the form of a series of shorter sessions led by subject experts that happen over the course of a few days, and attendees can pick and choose which sessions they want to attend. Attendees will leave with a personalised innovation plan for their business.

Q: I’m not sure if my project/business is eligible; what should I do

A: At papi.org.uk, you can peruse our eligibility criteria and submit an enquiry. You can also give us a call to talk to an experienced adviser, who will be happy to help!

The PAPI project is now open for applications and businesses can quickly check their eligibility and apply on the website at papi.org.uk or by calling the PAPI team on 01904 32 8076.

The PAPI project is part-funded by the European Regional Development Fund as part of the European Structural and Investment Funds Growth Programme 2014-2020.