The LDA has recently launched a new programme 'KnowledgeConnect' an initiative to support London SMEs to grow and prosper their businesses through collaboration with the knowledgebase.

Knowledge Connect

Up to £10,000 for small businesses with big plans!

Are you looking to develop a new product or service, stay competitive in difficult times, find new markets or improve your processes and bottom line... what does your business need to do to be more successful?

If you're a trading business that is based in the Greater London area and you employ between 4 and 50 people you could be eligible for intensive support to work with specialists to help your company grow. Even better, it will all be paid for!

KNOWLEDGE CONNECT is a £5.4m programme funded by the London Development Agency and European Regional Development Fund. Over three years nearly 3,000 small businesses in London will be eligible to get free support for their big plans. Your business could be one of them!

Interested? Just fill in a simple Expression of Interest application and an experienced business advisor will contact you. After meeting with you to understand your plans for the future and offer guidance for the way ahead, we will team you up with experts from universities, colleges or research institutions to support your opportunity. By collaborating with the 'knowledgebase' to bring new skills, expertise and resources to your business you will be better able to move your business forward.

Your business advisor will be on hand to support the process from start to finish. There will be access to a Collaboration Voucher for £3,000 or £10,000 depending how complex your project is...what could that support do for your business?

Are you interested in business and financial support for your big business plans? To find out more about this exciting opportunity, call KNOWLEDGE CONNECT on 020 7744 7704 or email on info@knowledgeconnect.org.uk and ask about how you can get involved.

Examples of real projects include:

•Food: Extending shelf life, seeking cost efficiencies to supply major multiples, rebranding.

•Engineering: Developing and testing prototypes, finding environmental solutions, improving machine and manufacturing efficiencies.

•Creative Industries (Art Design and Fashion): Using new materials, developing new designs and applications, mass production, finding export opportunities.

• Consumer Products: Exploring customer shopping psychology, developing merchandising solutions, improving logistics.

•Sport and Health: Olympic challenges, proving health benefits, developing equipment.

•Multimedia: Software, systems and web design and development, distribution systems.

•Leisure and Tourism: Branding, marketing and product development.

•Business Services: Product development, marketing, strategic planning.

Contact details

KNOWLEDGE CONNECT
46 Aldgate High Street
London, EC3N 1AL
Tel: 020 7744 7704
Fax: 020 7744 7701
Email: info@knowledgeconnect.org.uk