Up to £15k offered for innovative ideas to help boost West Midlands communities

Residents, community organisations and businesses with innovative ideas to help local areas recover from the effects of the pandemic are being offered the chance to win funding and support of up to £15,000.

The West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) is introducing a new ‘Dragons’ Den’ style competition for anyone with a new idea which will help local communities build back better.

Called the Community Recovery Innovation Challenge, 20 prizes worth £500 are available for the best ideas along with an invitation to an innovation masterclass. In addition, the top three chosen will receive bespoke support valued up to £15,000 each, to help them take their project to the next stage of development.

As well as funding, owners of the successful bids will receive support and coaching in how to further develop their project and turn their idea into reality.

Projects should address at least one of 12 categories including debt, domestic violence, mental health and support for grassroots culture, art and sport. Proposals must be presented in the form of a short film and / or summary document giving a brief overview of the community, how COVID-19 has impacted it and how their idea will address the problem. Competition entries should include a rough outline of how any funds would be used.

Entries should be submitted by midday on 21 March 2021. To find out more visit www.wmca.org.uk/CommunityBounceback