Autumn 2006 represents a significant milestone. Having now secured funding from the East of England Development Agency (EEDA) and with support from Essex County Council, the Greater Essex Prosperity Forum and a range of other partners, the Essex Innovation Network has now moved into a period of meaningful delivery that will help contribute to the next generation of innovative businesses in Essex.

 

The available support comprises of a number of elements:

 

New Ideas Programme

 

Though this activity, an experienced business mentor will work alongside budding entrepreneurs over a 9 month period with the ultimate aim of turning a new ideas into a successful business.

 

Developing Innovative Businesses Programme

 

Aimed at early stage businesses in their first few years of trading, full business mentoring support is being made available to help these businesses exploit their full potential.

 

Assistance with accessing research & development funding

 

There are several R&D funding programmes available to help companies, administered by EEDA. From this Autumn, help will be available for Essex businesses to secure a greater amount of this funding.

 

Accessing new markets

 

Help is being given to Essex businesses to access new markets, including China. Support is available for companies whose strategies range from setting up new manufacturing plants in Jiangsu for sales into the Chinese market, to companies looking to help Chinese businesses make their products suitable for the UK and European markets.

 

Events 

 

For full details of up and coming events (including online booking) please visit www.exdra.co.uk/events

 

Peter Cook, Head of Innovation & International Markets at ExDRA, the co-ordinating body of the Essex Innovation Network, is excited about the progress being made. “I am delighted that a full package of support for Essex’s future innovative businesses is now coming together. Through the funding received from our key partners, Essex County Council and the East of England Development Agency, the Essex Innovation Network will now really start to make a difference.”

 

Any business requiring further information about the Essex Innovation Network should contact:

 

Peter Cook, Essex Development & Regeneration Agency (ExDRA)

 

Tel: 01245 702423

Email: peter.cook@exdra.co.uk

Web:   www.essexinnovation.co.uk