The new RISE programme offers free innovation support to eligible SMEs in West Sussex and the Coast to Capital area. It gives businesses unique access to expertise, technology, workshops and events from the universities of Brighton and Sussex.

 

 

RISE (Research and Innovation in Sussex Excellence) is a new fully-funded project for small to medium-sized (SME) businesses interested in exploring new ideas in a low risk, fully supported environment to help their business innovate and grow, and therefore retain their competitive edge.

 

Funded by West Sussex County Council and ERDF (European Regional Development Fund) until March 31 2023, RISE offers eligible businesses a fully subsidised service with access to up to £7,500 of support with no payback or match required.

 

 

The RISE service includes:

 

•            Access to cutting-edge expertise from the universities of Brighton and Sussex including workshops and 1:1 support

•            A low-risk opportunity to develop R&D project(s)

•            Dedicated support from Innovation Advisors

 

 

Who is eligible?

 

Any small to medium-sized business in West Sussex and the wider Coast to Capital area with less than 250 staff and profit of less than £43 million (50 million Euros). This includes micros and sole traders and not-for-profits - who generate an income beyond donations. To be eligible, businesses also need to be below their State Aid limit of £200,000.

To join us visit www.rise-innovation.uk or if you have a question get in touch by emailing the team at rise@brighton.ac.uk

 

The RISE programme is receiving up to £603,514 of funding from the England European Regional Development Fund as part of the European Structural and Investment Funds Growth Programme 2014-2020 in England. Grant reference: 04R21P04430

The West Sussex Councils are providing partnership funding to support the delivery of RISE, and through this, to provide help and support to SMEs in West Sussex.