Sub Measure COL 2.1 New Product Development
Having developed a number of pre-identified business opportunities, there is often a requirement for further research and development in order to progress these initiatives as marketable commodities.

What will it fund?
This measure will focus on new and innovative activities, not currently available within mainstream provision. It is important to note that these research and development activities will be specific in nature and will contribute directly to the development of new and innovative ventures.

Possible Actions

Provide assistance to undertake product development research. For example, in areas such as the use of seaweeds, cosmetic production, mussel production, plants for alternative enterprises, energy and waste management, eco building

Level of Assistance
Assistance will be offered at a rate of 50% of eligible costs, up to a maximum of £7,000.

Application Process
Part A of the application form must be completed ‘online’. This can be done by accessing the following website, www.eugrants.org. Once completed online, and submitted, this Part will automatically be forwarded to COLLAGE Ltd.

Part B of the application form can be downloaded from the above website (www.eugrants.org) or COLLAGE Ltd’s own website www.collage-ltd.com and either complete by hand or word-processed and a signed copy submitted to COLLAGE Ltd.

Please Note
A full application will only be acknowledged on receipt of both parts (Part A and Part B) of the application.

Sub Measure COL 2.2 Market Research and Testing
In conjunction with the support for research and development, this measure will focus on market research and market testing.

This is a vital requirement for any new and innovative initiative to gain as much information about potential markets, competition and consumer responsiveness.

What will it fund?
This measure will contribute significantly to the overall development of new business start and development through market testing activities, which would contribute to the production of ‘off the shelf’, business plans for innovative enterprise development.

Possible Actions

Seed fund for businesses /potential businesses to market test

Application Process
Contract by public tender

Sub Measure COL 2.3 Entrepreneurial Support Programme
The setting up and development of new business and the development of an existing small business is extremely demanding and often requires on-going guidance.

The target groups of women, youth, farm families and the long term unemployed will require significant levels of support, not least at this stage of development.

What will it fund?
This measure has been designed to provide support for the development of business plans, which will help to focus the intentions of individuals and aid in the reduction of the barriers to successful new and innovative business initiatives.

Possible Actions
Contract suitable organisation to:

	Undertake business planning to assist would be entrepreneurs and potential business expansions to proceed
	Provide additional development support through counselling, mentoring and pre enterprise training

Application Process
Contract by public tender

Sub Measure COL 2.4 Business Mentoring
This measure has been designed to offer post business start support. This is an area of support, which is often overlooked and one, which is vital to the long-term sustainability of the new business.

What will it fund?
This measure has been designed to improve the survival rate of rural business and improve levels of expansion and growth by providing on going mentoring support.

Possible Actions
Contract suitable organisation to:

	Provide advice and counselling service
	Provide training through the use of business mentors

Application Process Contract by public tender

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