Attracting financial capital for getting the business started/scaled is one of the main challenges for (new) ventures. There are indeed plenty of financial resources open for start-ups and small scale businesses out there, ranging from seed capital to public funds; but finding the most appropriate resource and actually bringing it into the business remain to be a complicated process for many entrepreneurs today.

External funds provided by governmental bodies are among the financial resources deployed by entrepreneurs to test, pilot and/or scale their ventures. European Commission programs are quite attractive in that sense, especially because they put an emphasis on the role of entrepreneurship and innovation in tackling today’s biggest societal challenges. While some of the programs focus on research activities; some provide financial support for innovation action, support and coordination activities, as well as strategic partnerships.

At the moment a particularly interesting European Commission topic for GIG and its prospective clients is the Horizon2020 – Work Programme Innovation in SMEs, SME-Instrument: New business models for inclusive, innovative and reflective societies. For-profit SMEs, which are to grow innovative ideas, can apply for funding for feasibility assessment (Phase 1) or innovation development and demonstration (Phase 2).

GIG advises entrepreneurs who pursue opportunities to (replicate and) grow their businesses in Europe, in which SME-Instrument is a possible mean to get financial support. GIG’s experts, who are experienced in European Commission funding programs, offer hands-on consultancy in the entire processes of preparation and submission of project proposals, as well as their implementation.

Contact GIG to be part of the network and grow your impact-based business in Europe.