SMEs Grant Scheme to Encourage Construction Supply Chain Innovation

A NEW grant scheme, I-Construct, launches today which helps small and medium businesses (SMEs) in construction and the built environment, embrace innovation and access new business opportunities.

It offers three types of support – grant funding, mentoring and access to a supply chain development network – with the intention of supporting SMEs involved in construction and its supply chain to innovate and grow.

SMEs Grant Scheme

Grant funding of between £1,000 and £20,000 is available to part-fund the development or launch of a new product or service which also offers wider innovation benefits to the sector, such as improving productivity and sustainability. SMEs can also benefit from up to 9 hours of 1:1 business support (with a value of up to £1,200) through the I-Construct mentoring scheme.

Mentoring and expert advice is provided by a panel of industry leaders and experts who have director level experience of working in the construction sector or supply chain and are passionate about using their experience to help SMEs develop and grow.

I-Construct Network

The I-Construct network is free to join and will bring the construction industry together. It will help SMEs join local supply chains, access new business opportunities, find other industry professionals and identify potential partners.

From Summer 2021, network members can use an Innovation Hub opening in Braintree, Essex. The space will be used for networking events, product launches and talks on topics including offsite construction, renewable energy, zero-carbon construction and BIM software.

Find more information about eligibility on the I-Construct website.

I-Construct is led by the Haven Gateway Partnership and delivered with support from project partners Braintree District Council, BRE (Building Research Establishment), Colchester Institute and Daedalus Environmental. It is part-funded through the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF). With match funding for the Innovation Hub provided by Braintree District Council.

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