GRAND

GRA_tabs7aGRAND

SMART prior to Oct 1, 2000 was essentially a competitive grant scheme - where support has to be won in a competition with other entrants.

Since then, SMART had become the INNOVATOR's support grant scheme, and repackaged in differing sizes to suit all from the individual entrepreneur to the Small and Medium Enterprise (SME).

The scheme is available throughout England under the new name of GRAND, but not in Scotland or Wales which have their own similar initiatives under the old name of SMART.

GRAND - Grant for Research and Development

Essentially the GRAND scheme provides finance to individuals and small and medium-sized businesses in England to research and develop technologically innovative products and processes.

There are four types of grant, each supporting different types of research and development project, and each requires the applicant to make their own contribution to the project costs:


Micro projects are simple, low-cost development projects lasting no longer than 12 months. A grant of up to £20,000 is available to businesses with fewer than ten employees.

Research projects aim to investigate the technical and commercial feasibility of innovative technology and last six to 18 months. A grant of up to £75,000 is available to businesses with fewer than 50 employees.

Development projects aim to develop a pre-production prototype of a new product or process that involves a significant technological advance. Projects take six to 36 months. A grant of up to £200,000 is available to businesses with fewer than 250 employees.

Exceptional development projects involve a significant technological advance and are strategically important for a particular technology or industrial sector. Projects take six to 36 months. A negotiable grant of up to £500,000 is available to businesses with a qualifying project.