Start at Best is a Horizon 2020 project which promotes SME competitiveness through the funding of workplace innovation practices* (WPI) among the EU SME community. A competitive Open Call for Funding Proposals targeting Irish companies is now taking applications for company initiatives which support and/or improve working conditions and/or the workplace environment; ultimately having the potential to drive the company’s business competitiveness. Call details are available on Start at Best website.
This project, supported under the Horizon 2020 call 'For a better innovation support to SMEs' and the topic 'Workplace innovation uptake by SMEs (INNOSUP-04-2019)' is aiming to improve non-technological innovation - e.g. relating to human resources practices; procurement or knowledge management - as a means to enable businesses to prosper.
EU Programme: Horizon 2020 - Innovation in small and medium-sized enterprises
Timeframe for activity: June 2019 - June 2021
EU funding secured: €49,500 (€37,500 will be awarded as grants to 5 successful applicants)
Project Manager: Siobhan Finn, Innovation Programme Manager siobhan_finn@corkcity.ie
EU Website: startatbest.eu
Workplace innovation aligns with CCC ongoing support for innovation as a viable driver for local company growth. In Q2 2020, having worked with 3 partners including the Startup Europe Regions Network (SERN) on the collective design of a competitive call for funding proposals, CCC will act as the national 'intermediary' for its launch in Ireland. This call will offer small-scale financial assistance to SMEs that are planning to undertake a workplace innovation initiative within the next 12 months. Grants of €7,500 will be made available to support 5 interesting proposals from each of the 3 Member States involved (total 15 companies across three member states), as well as a further pan-European call (for an additional 15 companies). Through this project, CCC will increase the visibility of workplace innovation for business competitiveness and the awareness among SMEs and micro-firms of its relevance