The purpose of the DIT Internationalisation Fund is to assist 7,600 SME’s in England to improve international trade performance through co-investment in approved activity. The Fund is supported by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) running from December 2020 to early 2023. We have been made aware that funds are still available for companies that can spend the money before March 2023.

Who can receive the funding?

SMEs in England1 with the following characteristics:
• International High Growth Potential with prospects of employment growth or productivity improvement.
• A product or service suitable for international trade, or which could be developed for international trade and see international trade as a path for growth
• £500k sales/turnover (our target, but those with lower sales/turnover are eligible)

What funding is available?

• Co-investment funding between £1k and £9k - total amount of funding available varies in LEP areas
• Support tools are available to establish the amount of funding SME’s can apply for
• The Fund Administrator will regularly update funding availability for each LEP area, this supports management of expectations for SME’s and reduces the chance of over-committing funding.

How can the funding be used?

Eligible expenditure: Advice from third party private sector experts to help SMEs prepare for international trade, which may include:- market research, market selection and entry advice, advice on Intellectual Property Rights, cross cultural negotiation support and standards, translation and cultural advice, international trade legal advice, PR support, international social media and search engine optimisation, international marketing, routes to market/agency advice, overseas business environment, and due diligence. SME participation in Trade Fairs, Trade Missions and independent market development visits may also be eligible.

To find out if you company would be eligible for this funding please click here.