Jan 21 - EU Secretariat Invites Applications for EU Funding with Focus on Sustainable Employment and Renewable Energy
Launching the new Gibraltar Operational Programme for the European Regional Development Fund this afternoon, Director of European Programmes for Gibraltar’s EU Programmes Secretariat, Charles Collinson invited applications for start-ups and small businesses looking to be awarded funding for their projects.
Gibraltar’s most previous EU funding scheme, held between 2007 and 2013, saw the secretariat awarded €5.8million which aided them in launching 81 projects, investing €7.4million into the private sector, the initiation of 41 new start ups and creation of 372 new jobs.
The aim of this year’s scheme is to assist SMEs start-up and expand their businesses, creating sustainable employment. Funding is also made available to encourage ‘the use of alternative renewable energy sources and schemes, which meet EU objectives and which would otherwise require considerable investment’. The funds will further aim to support the creation and growth of low carbon businesses and encourage small and medium enterprises to undertake audits and implement energy management skills.
The funding further aides various public sector initiatives, with previous years’ schemes funding phase 1 and 2 of new buses for the Gibraltar Bus Company and the renovation of a number of Upper Rock Tourist sites including Jew’s Gate and the Great Siege Tunnels.
Projects can be awarded up to €200,000 over a 3 year period. Areas not eligible for funding are wholesale, retail, financial services and mobile investments in the form of transport.
The Secretariat’s allocation from the programme is €5.68million. Of this they are aiming to achieve 70 new projects and initially invest €3million into the private sector, with the hopes of doubling the amount by the end of the programme. The scheme is looking to fund 50 new start-ups, and create 215 full time jobs and 100 part time jobs. 20 projects focusing on renewable energy are looking to be developed. 20% of the Secretariat’s total funding has to be allocated to their low carbon economy objective.
Application Process
The Secretariat invites anyone with a potential start-up idea to approach them, organize an appointment with EU Funding Advisor Desiree Viagas and meet to discuss the project’s eligibility. If the project is accepted as eligible, the relevant paperwork is prepared and the grant application goes to a committee. Depending on the size of the grant either one or two committees, made up of relevant Government, Small Business Federation and Chamber of Commerce members, is consulted.
The previous programme, run between 2007 and 2013, saw approximately 80 applications submitted.
Chamber and GFSB Response
Commenting on the benefits of the scheme, Chief Executive of the Chamber, Edward MacQuisten touched upon a venture that was awarded a grant in the previous scheme and now employs over 30 members of staff. He explained that this business sees rates and taxes paid to the Government and salaries paid to the staff as well as produce bought from local wholesalers. He noted that this process is what makes the EU funding scheme so worthwhile to Gibraltar.
Ian Torilla of the GFSB thanked the EU secretariat for their hard work. He further encouraged ‘as many people as possible’ to apply for funding.
The final speaker to address interested individuals at today’s launch was Minister with responsibility for the EU Secretariat, Joe Bossano. The Minister explained that Gibraltar especially reaps the benefits of such EU funding, with the impact being felt across the small community. He noted that the scheme adds funds to two areas that the Government is already invested in developing. He added that the Government is committed philosophically to the idea of sustainability.
