Member Article

ICT businesses urged to apply for European scheme

Innovative ICT specialists in Coventry and Warwickshire who are planning to export have been urged to apply for support from a European scheme.

The Accelerate Cross-border Engagement (ACE) Acceleration Programme is a pilot project to provide one-to-one support to ICT start-ups and SMEs in 12 European countries.

The deadline to apply to enter the scheme, which is funded by the Seventh Framework Programme of the European Union, is Sunday, January 25.

Successful businesses will receive support from an experienced business mentor and advice on pitching to potential investors to access finance, locating office space abroad, hands-on assistance in finding partners and clients for target markets and business development support.

In the first 12 months of the ACE programme, 87 ICT start-ups and SMEs in Europe have received help to grow rapidly in international markets.

A second round of applications has been launched which is being run by 15 partners with the UK partner being Coventry University Enterprises Limited – and SMEs in Coventry and Warwickshire whose New Year resolution is to export their services have been urged to log on to the ACE website at www.europeanace.eu to complete their application.

Lindsey Martin, of Coventry University Enterprises Limited, said the ACE acceleration programme was offering support to innovative SMEs who are looking to export.

“We’re encouraging applications from SMEs in the ICT sector in Coventry and Warwickshire who are ready to export and are attractive to their industry because they offer goods or services that are different to their competitors,” she said.

“The benefits of being involved in the ACE programme include having a business mentor to discuss their plans with who has knowledge of countries where they are wishing to export.

“They will be able to assess their strengths and weaknesses, develop an individual action plan and put a support team and package of services in place with support from ACE partners in other markets.

“This will speed up the process of winning new business abroad because they will be able to help with gaining contact with the right people as well as understanding the local rules and regulations.

“This is a great opportunity for SMEs to take their ICT business to the next level by growing their business internationally and benefiting from targeted coaching and advice.”

For further information, visit www.europeanace.eu and fill in the application form before January 25.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Matt Joyce .