How to access funding

Whatever stage you’re at with your project, we’ll help you secure the funding you need to move it forward and bring your idea to life.

Find the right funding

Funding isn’t one-size-fits-all, so we’ll help you find the route that best fits your ambitions. Whether you’re exploring ​proof-of-concept funding to test your early ideas or looking for ​​seed funding to take your work to the next level, we’ll guide you through your choices and support the application process. 

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Timelines

Funding timelines vary widely, depending on factors such as: 

  • Type of funding body 
  • Application quality (we’ll support you with this) 
  • Market conditions and funder or investor interest 

Most applications follow a similar set of phases: 
 

 

Phase Typical Duration Key activities
Preparation Weeks to months Create pitch deck or written plan, budget or financial models, and supporting documentation 
Pitching / Submission Weeks to months Pitch to investors or submit applications and handle initial questions
Review / Due diligence Weeks to months Evaluation by funders, reference checks, technical and financial assessments, panel interviews
Negotiation and legal  1-4 weeks Agree terms, review contracts, finalise legal documentation 
Closing and disbursement 1-2 weeks Sign final documents and receive funds 

Once everything is agreed, funds usually arrive quickly – often within just a few business days – but the steps leading up to that point can take time. We’ll help you stay on track throughout. 

How to apply

Every funding scheme is a little different, with its own forms, requirements and steps. We’ll support you at each stage so you feel confident and well prepared. Together, we’ll help you: 

  1. Find the right funding - based on your discipline, research background and the nature of your idea
  2. Prepare a strong application / pitch - including a detailed proposal that demonstrates technical feasibility and commercial potential. You might also be invited to ​​pitch your idea to a review panel
  3. Get your funding decision - and get started with your next stage
Pitching your idea
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Get in touch

If you’re ready to take your research, commercial idea or mission-led company to the next stage, we’d love to hear from you. 

Grow my idea