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BCU

11th January 2022

STEAMhouse Create Grants are now LIVE

The next launch of the Phase 1.5 STEAMhouse Create Grants will go live from Tuesday 11th January 2022 for STEAMhouse Members. 

When is the deadline? 

The first deadline will be on Monday 21st February 2022 at 5pm. Future Grant dates will be announced via the website www.steamhouse.org.uk 

 

Who can apply? 

Anyone who has registered with STEAMhouse as a Sole Trader or Business (no match funding is required as a condition), received notification of their membership from one of the STEAMhouse Team and has completed their 12 hrs assists with STEAMhouse to support you in developing your product/service. 

 

How much is the grant for? 

The Grant amount is for £2,500 broken down into £1,035 for Commercialisation and Intellectual Property (IP) support (which is compulsory) with the remaining £1,465 being used to support businesses developing their prototypes, providing concept to early-stage development work and demonstrating which element of this is using digital technology. 

 

Who should I notify if I am interested in applying for the Grant? 

You should notify your Lead Technician or Sophia Tarr in the first instance, so that feedback and recommendations can be made to support the application. 

 

How are the grant applications assessed? 

All grant applications received will be assessed and marked by a selection panel measured against the below criteria and successful applicants will be notified by Sophia Tarr:- 

-Clearly demonstrates Innovative Idea/Value proposition 

-Impact of the service – Strong & clear case to impact on business/clear milestones) 

-Are the costs appropriate to nature of proposed activity/timescale/expenditure (inc VAT)? 

-Does the applicant have the ability or track record of delivery? 

-Are STEAM principles*supported (e.g bringing together different disciplines) namely? 

-Are there Commercialisation/IP opportunities? 

Please note the panel reserves the absolute right, in its reasonable discretion to reject any submission, if the application is incomplete or does not address the specific requirements. 

 

What would be considered as non-eligible items? 

All expenditure most clearly demonstrate how it will assist you in meeting the above criteria, relevant to your project and below are some examples of items that are not eligible for funding:- 

-Accommodation expenses 

-Business Rates 

-Prototyping equipment already accessible via STEAMhouse 

-Capital Expenditure 

-Laptops / Apps / Training Courses / Membership Subscriptions / Mobile Phones 

-Non-business related items 

-Stocks 

-Vehicles 

Please note each application will need to be taken on a case-by-case basis to identify what is considered as eligible expenditure. 

 

How many grants are available? 

33 grants in total up to August 2022 

 

How do I claim any reimbursement of funds spent, if successful? 

A new contract will be issued for you to sign and return to Sophia.tarr@bcu.ac.uk 

along with the following documentation to set you up as a new supplier by BCU, namely:- 

     

1) Your letter headed paper with your Company bank details/ including company number/UTR  

and Contact details all the letter headed paper. 

2) New Supplier Registration form for Finance Department. 

3) Certificate of Public Liability Insurance. 

Once you receive confirmation that you have been set-up as a supplier, you can then start spending. Upon evidence of receipts, the completed receipt submission form, redacted bank statements and the submission of your invoice, STEAMhouse will arrange the reimbursement of £1,465 in total.  Invoices can be broken down into one or two separate invoice payments from you, within 

a 5-month period from the start of the contract. 

 

How do I know what IP support I will need? 

There is a variety of free Commercialisation and IP support available through STEAMhouse Phase 1, e.g. IP advice and guidance & Innovation capture, Commercialisation, Market Assessments and upon a meeting arranged with the appointed IP consultant to help you to determine the best approach. A meeting between Sophia Tarr and the Head of Commercialisation & Contracts will take place beforehand to explain the various options available to you 

 

Is there another round of funding? 

Yes and we will announce these via the website 

 

What Next? Please download and complete the attached funding forms or contact Sophia Tarr (sophia.tarr@bcu.ac.uk), Business Engagement Manager for further information.  

*STEAM principles 

  • Collaboration 
  • Conversation 
  • Exploration 
  • Newness 
  • Openness 

Download: 

  1. STEAMhouse Grant Application Form here.
  1. STEAMhouse Grant & Receipt Submission Form here.