Unlock Your
Innovation Potential
Welcome to the Innovation Grant Mentoring Programme - a dedicated support service for businesses across Norfolk, Suffolk and Essex, which turns bold ideas into funded innovation.
If you're developing a new product or service for the UK market and aspire to receive funding awards from organisations like Innovate UK, we can guide you through every step.
Expert Support, Fully Funded
We offer free business mentoring and bid coaching to strengthen and enhance your innovation plans and funding applications for greater success.
Personal Connection
Our friendly team gets to know you, your business and your ambitions. We focus on building a relationship that understands your unique challenges.
Specialist Matching
From there, we'll match you with one of our Innovation Mentors or Bid Coaches - specialists who have supported enterprises for many years.
Enhanced Success
Strengthen your innovation plans and funding applications with expert guidance designed to maximize your chances of success.
Your Pathway to Bid Success
Dedicated, personalised support
Working closely with your Innovation Mentor or Bid Coach, you'll shape and strengthen your innovation proposal, so your business is ready to submit a compelling, competitive funding application.
Shape Your Proposition
Refine your project proposal for Innovation Funding.
Identify Funding
Navigate the landscape to find the right funding calls for your specific innovation.
Build Application
Construct a compelling, evidence-based application that stands out to assessors.
Our Track Record
We pride ourselves on tangible results. Our support has helped businesses secure significant funding to drive their growth.
100+
Businesses Supported
£24m+
Innovation Bids Supported
Unlock Your Innovation Potential Today
Are you ready to explore your innovation journey?
Register today and discover how far your ideas can go!
Frequently Asked Questions
The programme is run by Norfolk County Council, Suffolk County Council and Essex County Council. Our steering groups and application panels include representatives from Connected Innovation, Hethel Innovation, Innovate UK Business Connect, Innovate UK Business Growth, MENTA, New Anglia Growth Hub, UEA and University of Suffolk.
This support is designed to help ambitious businesses across Norfolk, Suffolk and Essex develop stronger innovation projects and submit more competitive funding applications.
Our Mentors and Bid Coaches are experienced specialists with backgrounds in innovation, commercial growth and competitive funding applications. They provide tailored guidance based on your business and project needs.
No. Support can be delivered remotely, and where appropriate there may also be opportunities for in-person meetings. The format depends on what works best for you and your adviser.
No. They will not write the application on your behalf, but they can help you shape your proposal, strengthen your answers and improve the overall quality of your submission.
We can help you review previous feedback, identify gaps in the application and refine your innovation case so you are in a stronger position for future funding opportunities.