How to Apply

Selective Finance for Investment (SFI) is administered in the Northwest by the NWDA’s Business Finance team, including assessing the majority of applications and awarding support. Some larger projects will be assessed by the Department of Trade and Industry in London.

Before a full application is submitted, an Initial Enquiry Form should be completed and submitted to andrew.bridge@nwda.co.uk. It also provides feedback and guidance on what your application form should be included to strengthen your case for support. It will also avoid you completing all of the necessary paperwork only to find your project will not be supported.

Upon submitting a full application, you should receive a decision within 30 days, provided it is fully completed and accompanied by all the relevant supporting and financial information. Larger and more complex cases may take longer to assess, but we will aim to take account of your project’s needs.

Your application will be handled by an Appraisal Officer who may wish to visit your project’s location and discuss your application with you. At this stage, other Government departments may be asked to provide advice on your application. For example, checks may be made at Companies House and with the insolvency service. We may also share information as required by the European Commission.

If your application is successful, you will be allocated a Contract Manager who will advise you on procedures for claiming your instalment payments.

Please note that all SFI grants are taxable. It is essential that you make no commitment to the project prior to an offer of grant being made. This would render the application ineligible.