Business Support Programmes

A business person developing ideas on a large sheet of paper.

We have a number of SME support initiatives across various Local Enterprise Partnership areas, providing free, bespoke support to eligible businesses across the West Midlands and beyond.

Characterisation, Measurement and Analysis 

Advanced Materials Characterisation and Simulation Hub logo.

The Advanced Materials Characterisation and Simulation Hub (AMCASH) is an ERDF-funded initiative established to support SMEs with industrial research and new product development involving microscopy, polymers and modelling.

Centre for Innovation in Advanced Measurement in Manufacturing logo.

The Centre for Innovation in Advanced Measurement in Manufacturing (CIAMM) has been developed to help eligible SMEs discover the full potential of quantum technologies across a broad range of industries.


Advanced and Digital Manufacturing

Digi Rail logo.DIGI-RAIL is an ERDF-part funded project providing long-term innovation support to eligible SMEs  on developing digital products and services for the rail industry. 

Science 2 Industry logo.Science 2 Industry is an innovative programme that helps small eligible SMEs access world-class science and hi-tech expertise to overcome product, process or R&D-based technical challenges.

Advanced Manufacturing Technologies that Create, Activate and Automate logo

The Advanced Manufacturing Technologies that Create, Activate and Automate programme helps eligible SMEs better understand and take advantage of new industrial digital technologies.

 


Energy, Recycling and Raw Materials 

The Alternative Raw Materials with Low Impact logo

The Alternative Raw Materials with Low Impact (ARLI) initiative drives collaborative R&D enabling SMEs to develop products and processes that improve efficiency in the use of raw and waste materials and effective alternatives.

Accelerating Thermal Energy Technology Adoption logo.The Accelerating Thermal Energy Technology Adoption (ATETA) initiative is designed to provide regional SMEs with high level access to energy-related R&D facilities.

CREST Logo

The Centre for Research into Environmental Science and Technology (CREST) focuses on Research and Development support for environmental science-based SMEs in Shropshire and Telford & Wrekin, with the aim of addressing the area’s productivity challenges and bringing products and services to market. 

CIP LogoThe University of Birmingham in partnership with the Energy Systems Catapult, is looking for businesses committed to driving energy technology innovation to join the Climate Innovation Platform (CIP).


Healthcare

Medical Technologies Testing and Evaluation Centre logo.

MD-TEC (Medical Technologies Testing and Evaluation Centre) is a facility based within the Institute of Translational Medicine designed to support medical technologies and life science businesses across the region.

Demand Hub Logo

DEMAND Hub  (Data-Enabled Medical technologies ANd Devices Hub) is an ERDF-supported programme for the Black Country LEP region and will support SME businesses in, or looking to enter, the healthcare market.