European Funding Opt-In Offers Overview of Current Position with European Funding Opt-In Offers January 2014 Angela Rowney

What is an “Opt-In”? An Opt-In is when a National Organisation offers to deliver agreed activity in the LEP area. They will provide 50% of the funding needed, and will draw down the remaining 50% from the LEPs EU Funding allocation. Example – A Government Department will deliver £5m of skills training across SEMLEP. They will provide £2.5m from their own funds and draw down £2.5m of EU Funding

International Trade Opt-In Offered by UKTi Amo Requested £3.75m under Priority 2 Part of the National Export Challenge Supports: UK Companies to Export International Inward Investment SEMLEP has asked for more pre- and post-export support

Manufacturing Advice Opt-In Offered by BIS Requested £2.5m under Priority 2 Part of the Manufacturing Advisory Service Provide strategic & technical advice to all manufacturing companies. Can also offer grants for SMEs only.

Growth Accelerator Opt-In Offered by BIS Requested £2m under Priority 2 Provide coaching & support for business development, access to finance and innovation for growth for SMEs. Offer 6 to 18 months support.

Social Housing Opt-In Offered by EIB Requested £3.5m under Priority 3 Long term, low interest loan to support energy conservation and low carbon energy generation in social housing.

Skills Training Opt-In Offered by SFA Requested £14m under Priority 5 Deliver skills needed in SEMLEP area, including: Adult skills, employability & workforce development Support for 14-19 year old NEETs Community grants for VCS

Employment Support Opt-In Offered by DWP Requested £4.4m under Priority 5 Employability support & training for workless adults (aged 18+). Will also work with employers to identify labour force needs.

Local Initiatives Opt-In Offered by Big Lottery Requested £2.5m under Priority 5 Support for local initiatives, e.g.: “Talent Match” for young unemployed “Financial Confidence” giving money management support “School for Social Entrepreneurs” providing business support “Fulfilling Lives” to support people with chaotic lives

Arts Council Opt-In Offered by Arts Council Requested (TBA) under all Priorities Offer capital and revenue co-investment for identified Arts based projects

Young Enterprise Opt-In Offered by Prince’s Trust Requested (TBA) under all Priorities Offering two strategic packages: Creating a young, skilled workforce Grow the local economy through enterprise

Regeneration Skills Opt-In Offered by Groundworks Requested (TBA) under all Priorities Will match fund projects to help the unemployed gain skills in the energy efficiency sector / greening up business parks & industrial estates.

Central Bedfordshire Opt-In Offered by Central Bedfordshire Council Requested £14.5m under Priority 5 To deliver skills training across the SEMLEP area (proposing to use match funding from the Skills Funding Agency) Could also offer to manage other EU funded activities.