§ Mr. CoakerTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what specific grants are available to help inventors start up businesses. [130974]
§ Ms HewittLast year the Government introduced the Smart Micro Project grant, worth up to £10,000, specifically to help lone inventors—including those starting up in business—and micro firms develop simple, low-cost prototypes of new products or processes which involve technological advance or novelty. Investors may also apply for other elements of the Small Business Service Smart scheme, which offer grants of up to £45,000 for technical and commercial feasibility studies into innovative technology or up to £5,000 for technology consultation.