01174 621101
ACCESS FULLY FUNDED BUSINESS SUPPORT
Develop and grow your business with fully funded business support,
through the Somerset Innovation Network (aka Si-NET)
Would your business benefit from an exceptional burst of pace in a short space of time?
WEAF will be supporting the collective development and progress of the Somerset regional innovation ambition. This means that we are giving FREE business support services for companies with aerospace, defence or advanced manufacturing capability within the Somerset or Dorset region.
Could this be your business?
Bringing together three innovation centres in Somerset – iAero in Yeovil, Digital Innovation Centre in Taunton and SEIC in Bridgwater, the Somerset Innovation Network aims to encourage collaboration and innovation between advanced manufacturing businesses, whilst helping them grow and develop through a variety of tailored free business support.
iAero in Yeovil
Digital Innovation Centre in Taunton
SEIC in Bridgwater
Si-Net criteria
To apply for the Si-Net programme, you must:
- Be based in Somerset (excluding North Somerset and Bath and North East Somerset) or Dorset (if in the Advanced Manufacting and Aerospace sector)
- Have fewer than 250 employees
- Have a turnover of less than £43 million
- Be in the Low Carbon, Digital or Advanced Manufacturing and Aerospace sectors
- Want to develop and grow
What we are looking for
We will take you through a simple application process which includes a 121 diagnostic session and will consider the following business drivers:
- Mindset: Do you demonstrate a desire to get outside your comfort zone?
- Innovation: Have you identified an interesting opportunity with a unique solution?
- Collaboration: Are you willing to truly join the community and work with others to get where you’re going?
- Vision: How clear and compelling is your direction?
- Capacity and Commitment: Can you make the most of the programme?
- Traction: what have you tried so far?
What you will get
Si-Net is a free business support service working with WEAFs expertise to give you a burst of pace in a short space of time.
- A 121 diagnostic with a specialist to create an actionable plan for your business
- Specialist aerospace and advanced manufacturing advice
- Online and in-person informative workshops and events on a variety of relevant topics
- Networking opportunities to encourage collaboration with other innovative companies
Outcomes
- Identify new market potential.
- Assess your business model and product strength.
- Find the best path to raise funds and start to develop your proposition.
- Lay the foundations for building a sustainable business.
- Grow your network.
- Get to grips with the supply chain and where you might fit in.
How the Si-NET service works
We provide a comprehensive 5-step diagnostic and solution service that will signpost the right tools and systems to make your business thrive.
1. Discovery Event
Join us for a free review of your business and get pointers on aligning your challenges, identify key technologies, signpost funding opportunities, potential collaborators, and establish essential outcomes.
2. Solution Workshops
Your challenges, solutions and collaboration opportunities selected against your desired projects.
3. Collaboration Support
We agree and develop the top level objectives, set scope, timelines, and mutually beneficial exploitation against scope.
4. Growth Plan
Resulting projects broken down into plans, work packages and deliverables against resources, innovation funds, and route to market.
5. Programme Delivery
Technology, business and investment goals supported by dedicated specialists.
How much does it cost?
Funded by Somerset County Council and the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) this support is FREE to all eligible businesses.
How will the Si-Net free business support be delivered?
Support will be delivered in the form of 121 advice with business advisors and specialists, as well as a variety of informative events and workshops.
How to apply
If you’d like to find out more about how WEAF can help your business, get in touch with the team by completing and sending the form below.
Funded by Somerset County Council and the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) this support is FREE to eligible businesses.
Enrol in Si-Net for FREE today!
To find out more or enrol, simply complete and submit the form below.