EU funding for StartUps – Networking event

How can you access the €3 billion of EU grant funds available for startups and SMEs through the SME Instrument?

The SME Instrument enables startups and SMEs to receive funding for highly innovative projects. A Phase 1 grant of up to €50 000 could be available to bring your innovations to market or a Phase 2 grant of between €500 000 and €2,5 M could provide you with the means to grow your concept and scale across European borders. Learn whether you are eligible, how to apply and the ingredients of a successful proposal, all in one session.

This is the first networking event organised ever in Barcelona in partnership with Valkiria Hub Space. So far almost 20 workshops have been organised across Europe, reaching and coaching over 650 startups and SMEs in cities from London, Paris and Berlin to Barcelona at the 4YFN Conference, running as part of the Mobile World Congress.

EU StartUp Services coordinates and run the workshops as the service arm of the European Young Innovators Forum (EYIF). EYIF is the leading foundation for youth innovation in Europe, reaching in excess of 500 000 young innovators and entrepreneurs across Europe. In the context of these workshops, EYIF has contributed to the design of the SME instrument and thus can help you access the funds you need to grow your business.

Is this networking event for you?

Are you an entrepreneur who is planning to establish your own startup/SME? Or have you already started and are in the early stages of development? Is your startup/SME based on an innovative IT concept, product or service harnessing the potential to disrupt existing markets? Are you looking for rapid funding between the value of €50 000 and €2,5 M in 2015? If so, then this networking event is for you!

Background

The European Union has, for the first time in its 60 year history, launched a initiative aimed at directly funding entrepreneurs, startups and SMEs. HORIZON 2020 is the biggest EU research and innovation programme ever and incorporates €80 billion worth of grant funding, of which €2,8 billion is set aside exclusively for entrepreneurs, startups and SMEs. Through the SME Instrument, entrepreneurs and startups can apply and receive grants up to the value of €2,5 M with no strings attached. That means no repayment plan, no equity exchange and no restrictions on future financing options.

Networking event

This event is organised in partnership with Valkiria Hub Space and is aimed at developing your understanding of the three important stages that you must go through when considering applying for the SME Instrument. We will elaborate on how the grant functions and provide expertise on who should apply, when and which are the steps. This includes a discussion on the distinction between Phase 1 and Phase 2 applications to illustrate which is relevant for your startup.