Getting Started with European Innovation Funding

Did you know that UK businesses are once again eligible to apply for European Commission funding?

This event is designed specifically for SMEs looking to explore – the EU’s major funding programme for research and innovation. There are many nuances that businesses need to understand to write a successful proposal, including an explanation of the impact of your innovation, which funding calls are most suitable for your business, what consortium building is, and which calls require partnerships with EU businesses – and which don’t.

A successful application can provide businesses with up to 100% project funding and up to 60% paid upfront!

At this event, we’ll bring in experts such as Olcay Yilmaz, a project assessor for European Commission projects and a successful applicant himself, as well as Jim Sims, who has extensive experience in helping businesses secure EU funding.

They will give you a clear and practical understanding of what funding is available, whether your business is eligible, and how to build the kind of international partnerships that lead to larger, fully funded projects. The session will also cover how to:

• Navigate calls for proposals
• Write competitive applications
• Avoid common pitfalls

Whether you're just starting to explore European funding or ready to take the next step, this event will offer practical guidance, real SME success stories, and the chance to connect with peers, potential partners and experts in the field.

This event is very much aimed at SMEs, and the content will be focused specifically on their needs.

Join us to see if this could be a good opportunity for your business.

Agenda:

9:30 - 10:00 AM Networking & Refreshments

10:00 – 10:10 AM Welcome

10:10 – 10:45 AM What Is Horizon Europe and How Does It Work? (Perry Guess, Horizon Europe UK National Contact Point, Innovate UK)

Horizon Europe structure, Work Programmes, and how to join winning teams

10:45 – 11:10 AM Your Roadmap to a Winning Application (Olcay Yilmaz, Chairman of the Board, Kollestee UK Global)

Finding calls, partners, and writing a strong proposal

11:10 – 10:20 AM Coffee Break

11:20 – 12:00 PM SME Panel + Q&A (Chaired by Jim Sims, Senior Delivery Manager, West Midlands Combined Authority)

Hear from successful applicants and ask your questions

12:00 – 12:20 PM Wrap-Up, Available Support & Next Steps

Support, resources, and how to stay involved

12:20 – 1:00 PM Networking Lunch

This event is organised by the Innovation Alliance for the West Midlands (IAWM), with support from the West Midlands Combined Authority and Trowers & Hamlins.