Support from the EU-funded SMART Innovation programme is available to eligible businesses in Wales who work in a range of sectors, including general manufacturing, engineering, energy, ICT, digital, electronics, medical/healthcare, construction and financial services.
Please note: Individuals or businesses that have recently started trading are not eligible for the SMART Innovation programme. However, Business Wales offers a range of support that may be more suited to you/your business. Arrange a call with a business advisor.
Read our criteria below to find out if your business is eligible for SMART Innovation support.
- Most sectors are eligible for support from SMART Innovation but there are some limitations. Contact us to have an initial discussion about eligibility.
- SMEs with 10 employees or more.
If you have less than 10 employees, but can demonstrate potential for growth, give us a call. - If you think your business is eligible for SMART Innovation support, the first step is to make the call to Business Wales on 03000 6 03000 or to contact the SMART Innovation team. Rydym yn croesawu galwadau yn Gymraeg / We welcome calls in Welsh.
- Typically, within 24 hours, a member of the SMART Innovation team will be in touch to find out more about your business, discuss your needs and explain the opportunities available to you.
SMART Innovation customer journey
For more information on what happens after you have made the call to Business Wales, follow the SMART Innovation customer journey below.
Call Business Wales
- Your first step is to make the call to Business Wales
- A member of the SMART Innovation team will give you a call to find out more and run through some initial eligibility criteria
- If you meet the criteria, an Innovation specialist will arrange to visit you on site
To save your time, if you are unlikely to meet the eligibility criteria, we'll tell you upfront and signpost you to alternative support.
Site visit
- Your Innovation Specialist will spend a morning or afternoon with you, to get a feel for your company, your processes and your products
- They will agree a tailored Action Plan with you that will be bespoke to your needs
Action Plan
Your action plan may include:
- Access to research or collaboration expertise
- Specialist design and manufacturing support
- Access and support to apply for a range of funding options
Your Innovation Specialists will remain with you, as much, or as little, as you need throughout your journey.
Ready to start
Is your business ready to prosper?