ERDF Round 5

How can I apply for funding?

We are pleased to announce the launch of the fifth bidding round under the London ERDF Operational Programme. We aim to select projects that will help businesses in London to innovate, be more eco-efficient, access finance and new markets. 

£20 million is available for projects under Priorities 1 and 2 of the London ERDF Operational Programme.

ERDF will fund up to 50% of the project costs. Applicants must request a minimum of £500,000 ERDF for this bidding round. Only revenue funded projects are eligible.

To be considered for funding, applicants must clearly demonstrate that their proposed activities meet the criteria set out in the Round 5 Prospectus and that their proposals are in line with the aims and objectives of ERDF Priorities 1 and 2:

Priority 1 - Business innovation & research, and promoting eco-efficiency

  • Theme 1 – Develop a culture of, and capacity for, creating and using innovation throughout London’s businesses to create sustainable economic growth.
  • Theme 2 - Leverage value from London’s world class knowledge base to benefit London's economy.

 Priority 2 – Access to new markets and access to finance

  • Theme 1 – Enabling access to appropriate investment finance to support innovation and growth; and
  • Theme 2 - Improving SMEs' access to new market opportunities.

Who can apply for funding?

Any organisation that is legally constituted can develop proposals and apply for funding. Examples include:

  • Local authorities;
  • Statutory or non-statutory public funded bodies;
  • Voluntary/community organisations;
  • Some private sector organisations (subject to eligibility rules and state aid compliance).

Please note: ERDF is not paid directly to profit-making private sector organisations. It is deemed that public funding (ERDF) is not required as the organisation can be supported by its profit. Private companies limited by guarantee are eligible. Private organisations limited by shares are not eligible but can act as strategic partners or match-funders to a project.

Is my project eligible?

Applicants must refer to the Round 5 Prospectus and to the London Operational Programme before completing an application.  The Round 5 Prospectus sets out what type of activity is eligible for support. Given the high level of interest in the fund, and that this is a competitive bidding process, not all applications will be selected for funding.

The closing date for the submission of the project outline application forms is 12 noon on 21 October 2011. 

Correction to the Prospectus as of 5 October 2011

Some inconsistencies have been identified in the Prospectus, regarding performance indicators. Annex I of the Prospectus lists all applicable indicators, for each Priority. Please note that:

  • O3c (No. of businesses assisted) is applicable for both Priority 1 and 2;
  • LO14 (No. of SMEs supported to achieve quantifiable improvements in their environmental performance) is applicable for Priority 1 (not Priority 2);
  • LR12 (New sales generated) is measured in sterling, not in million sterling. 

For more information please consult the Performance Indicators guidance.

Guidance and application documents

Applicants can send any queries to: erdf@london.gov.uk

Previous bidding rounds information