WestFocus Knowledge Exchange has set up a Projects Fund available to staff in participating WestFocus universities. The aim is to fund small projects that develop knowledge transfer activities, networks and entrepreneurial skills amongst students, staff and business owners. Funding of up to £12,000 per project is available to enable staff to carry out small enterprise, research or teaching and learning projects relevant to the aims and objectives of WestFocus (see below).

There are no prescribed parameters for projects so long as they meet the criteria. However, they may have some of the following objectives:

• Identify and evaluate demand for HE services and interventions
• Add to the research base of enterprise-related information about the business and social community, for example by investigating the impact of HE enterprise or the needs of SMEs that could be met by HE.
• Improve the external interface of WestFocus networks with the business and social community. (e.g. promotions; events; conferences)
• Add value to a network by supporting a particular business development project.
• Develop entrepreneurial learning
• Help support new ventures amongst students, alumni and staff
• Promote student employment, placements and projects to SMEs

In particular, the project needs to offer added value to the consortium and demonstrate sustainability. Added value might include the involvement of a number of participating universities, or it might refer to ensuring that any outcome is disseminated to other consortium members. Sustainability refers to both financial sustainability, and also ensuring the longevity of the enterprise and entrepreneurship agenda in WestFocus institutions, for example by raising its profile within individual HEIs, or increasing the skill base of staff within the consortium.

Please download both the Guidelines and Application Form from below: