Scale-up your business and access research, development and business expertise.

Supported by the European Regional Development Fund, IMAGE is offering funding opportunities for SME businesses to work with universities and utilise the knowledge of leading academics and world-class facilities.

As the programme is now in its final stages this is the last opportunity to apply. There are only a limited number of grants, so early applications are recommended.

Grants are available of up to £5,000 for SME businesses to part-fund research and development projects.

IMAGE can help your business through funded opportunities in a number of ways, including:

  • Research and development,
  • Access to premium training and development,
  • Consultancy.

ÂãÁÄÖ±²¥, in partnership with the University of Bedfordshire, can support you in conducting a range of activities - from prototyping, development and testing of your product through to management coaching, finding business solutions and networking solutions. 

Business support enquiries

Research and development

As an SME you can benefit from support with the design, prototyping and testing of a new product, service or process or technical validation of a technology. Get free consultancy support from ÂãÁÄÖ±²¥’s academic research and development specialists, along with the use of the University’s specialist facilities and equipment. To find out more information download our programme brochure

Supporting new enterprises

Grants are available for new enterprises to part-fund consultancy advice on further grant opportunities and innovation schemes.

Helping new innovation take-off

If you are a new business or have a new product, process or service to launch, we can help you. Our leading academics can support you with developing your technology through access to cutting-edge research thinking and facilities, and enhancing your business strategy and planning. By also providing advice on relevant grant opportunities, it is the ideal package for those SMEs who want to take their innovation to the next level.

Moving manufacturing SMEs to the next level

If you are an SME in the manufacturing sector, then you can access mentoring and high level or in-depth consultancy support from leading academics through one-to-one support, bespoke training and networking events. If you want to develop your future business strategy then IMAGE is the programme for you.

Ready for Scale

Aimed at entrepreneurs, micro/SMEs and freelancers with a ‘green’ product or service, Ready for Scale is designed to help develop the fundamental skills that are necessary to build and grow a successful business in the green economy. This programme will allow you to identify and overcome the most critical barriers for your success in this exciting and high growth market sector.

Food waste innovations

For businesses in the food manufacturing, retail, hospitality and service sectors we can help you reduce food waste – enabling you to save money and protect the environment.

Find out more about our efforts to reduce wastage and other environmental impacts on our environment page.

IMAGE grant panel monthly meetings

The IMAGE grant panel meets monthly throughout the year. If you have a proposal that you would like to receive funding towards then please submit your proposal before one of the following dates:

  • 27 February
  • 27 March
  • 24 April
  • 22 May
  • 26 June
  • 24 July
  • 28 August
  • 25 September
  • 23 October
  • 27 November