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LEP Technical Assistance

The Local Economic Partnership (LEP) has been established through funding from the Department for the Economy (DfE) aimed to strengthening the local economy by providing practical support to businesses and social enterprises—helping them access funding, technical expertise, and opportunities for growth. Its programmes provide funding and expert support to help enterprises innovate, expand, and strengthen the local economy.

Calling Social enterprises!

The Technical Assistance programme offers small-scale funding for preparatory technical work, enabling enterprises to secure specialist input that is not readily available in-house. This includes professional services such as feasibility studies, planning and statutory consents, and technical design, the appointment of consultants to provide specialist business planning and strategic advice and technical assessments and surveys. Contributions towards architectural, design, or professional fees associated with the development of new or improved property are also deemed eligible.

More Information

What's available?
- Funding is available up to £10,000 (ex VAT) per project.
- Funding awarded will be provided at 100% intervention up to £5,000 (ex VAT).
- Funding between £5,001 and £10,000 (ex VAT) will be supported at an 80% intervention rate.
Who can apply?
Eligibility for Year 1 is limited to Social Enterprises.
- Based within the Council areas for Antrim and Newtownabbey
- VAT Registered (VAT exempt businesses trading above the VAT threshold can apply)
- Can provide 20% match funding for any spend between £5,000 - £10,000; council will provide 80% of total funding for spend between £5,000 - £10,000 (ex VAT)
- Trading for at least six months
- Are not in receipt of other public funding for the same purpose
- Have a Technical Assistance Project or equivalent to complete the application form
- Developing a project central to the theme of Technical Assistance and Workspace Development.
Examples of eligible projects:
- The appointment of consultants to provide specialist business planning and strategic advice and technical assessments and surveys.
- Contributions towards architectural, design, or professional fees associated with the development of new or improved property.
- Feasibility studies and options appraisals.
- Technical design and specification development.
- Planning and statutory consents (including professional fees).
- Project management and procurement support for implementation-ready projects.
- Business case development and impact assessments.
- Compliance-related technical work (e.g. health & safety, accessibility).
How to apply?

The LEP Business Digitisation Programme is a competitive process (rather than first come first served) where applications are scored according to:

a) Potential for Technical Assistance
b) Potential economic impact in terms of creating good quality and sustainable jobs
c) Potential impact on overall business performance, improvements due to the investment
d) Shows direct and quantifiable business benefits.

The business performance improvements that are likely to result from the investment, including increased productivity and scalability of the business. To view the guidance notes, complete the application form and apply E. LEP@antrimandnewtownabbey.gov.uk