Growth and Innovation Fund
The Growth and Innovation Fund (GIF) helps employers to develop their own innovative skills solutions which have the potential to transform growth in their sector, region or supply chain.
Strategic leadership for the Fund rests with the UK Commission for Employment and Skills (UKCES) and the Skills Funding Agency (the Agency). Representatives from these organisations and the Department of Business Innovation and Skills (BIS) make up the GIF Board which oversees the fund.
Growth and Innovation Fund – November 2011
The Growth and Innovation Fund was re-opened on 23 November 2011 and emphasises the need for Employers and Government to bring enhanced skills to bear in the economy. The Fund offers another opportunity for businesses to benefit from a powerful injection of public investment to support ideas that enhance the work of their sector. The Fund has £60 million to invest in 2012-13 and imilar amounts in the follow two future years.
GIF enables employers, with the support of their industry and sector bodies, to take forward innovative approaches to skills development, remove barriers and work in partnership to ensure their initiatives have the very best chance of fulfilling their promise.
In this round of the Fund several major changes have been made including making it more accessible by accepting the submission of Executive Summaries or fully worked-up proposals throughout the year.
Applying for Growth and Innovation Funding
You can now submit an Executive Summary of your proposal for GIF funding at any time during the year. The GIF Board will meet on three set dates each year (see details in the Online Guidance) to consider proposals and identify those meriting GIF co-investment. Depending on the focus of successful proposals, either The UK Commission for Employment or the Agency will support them in ensuring they achieve their aims.
The GIF Online Guidance gives you more information including:
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Full details on the application process
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Key dates when applications will be considered
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An eligibility checker
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FAQs
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Dates and venues for Advice Clinics
Employer ownership is at the heart of the Growth and Innovation Fund and applications are welcome from a wide range of employer-led organisations.
