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

2. 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

3. 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

4. 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.

5. 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.

6. 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.

7. 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 year old NEETs
Community grants for VCS

8. 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.

9. 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

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

11. 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

12. 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.

13. 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.