Grant application writing

Writing a successful grant application requires a clear understanding of the company’s needs, the funding body, the specific funding stream and the process. It also requires sufficient understanding of the technology involved, the commercial models and the market place.

The Technology Strategy Board (TSB) SMART funding application process can be bewildering to those who are unfamiliar with it and necessitating a steep (expensive) learning curve and reduced chances of success in what is already a competitive process. Games-related applications can be significantly improved if the application writer understands the videogames marketplace and technology. We have 15 years of experience within the games and digital media sectors. Our CEO, Kevin Corti, is the founder of four games and technology start-ups and has served as Head of Studio of a mobile games studio (DNA Dynamics, inc) and Senior Producer for an AIM-listed technology company (Einstein Channel Plc). During that time he was successful in securing >£1million of funding from numerous public bodies (via grants, soft loans and equity investments) and now offers his this expertise as part of our overall client services.

Recent grant funding successes include:

TSB SMART funding

• £100k Proof of Concept grant for a web-based business games technology start-up (2014)
• £100k Proof of Concept grant for games technology platform (2014)
• £22k Proof of Market funding for a mobile discovery platform (2014)
• £25k Proof of Market funding for a ‘mobile modding’ concept (2013)
• Supported a £160k Prototype application for indie game developer (2014)
• Supported AMMBA in a successful Proof of Market application (2014, £60k)
• I have also advised several other companies who have secured >£100k funding from the TSB (2012/14)

Regional Growth Funding

• £50k for EVIL27 Games from the Birmingham Start up Fund (2013)
• £90k secured for Flaming Pumpkin to develop their proprietary Unity plugin that enables designers to create animated interfaces for Unity games with Flash/ActionScript (2013)
• £60k – supported Totem Learning in a successful growth company application (2013)

Other grant funding

• £50k secured from Screen West Midlands for SoshiGames to develop their MusicFestivals game on Facebook (2011)

Equity funding

• £300k – As CEO,  secured angel/seed funding for SoshiGames (2010/11)
• £250k – As CEO, secured seed funding for PIXELearning (2004/5)

 

Standard pricing & and packages

Each funding application is different depending on the scope, scale and the time that the client company is able or willing to contribute. Our standard day rate is £400 (ex VAT) for consulting services, however, having founded a number of small and start-ups games/digital companies ourselves,  we recognise that this model may not be ideal for all clients so we are offering a series of packages that encompass:

1. A fixed cost – to help you budget effectively
2. A reduced day rate – to reflect cost sensitivity of small/start-up games companies
3. A success-only bonus – shared risk, we benefit only if the grant application is successful

Application writing packages

[1] TSB SMART Proof of Market grant application preparation

Includes:

• Initial briefing
• Grant application strategy planning
• Grant application writing
• Project GANNT chart creation
• Project budget creation
• Project cash flow plan (shows exactly what your cash flow requirements are)
• Support for client in online submission process
• 1 meeting (UK travel within 150 miles)
• £1,250 fixed fee plus £500 success fee (ex VAT)*

[2] TSB SMART Proof of Concept grant application preparation

• As package [2] but allowing for more time to reflect the bigger application format and requirements for more detailed budget preparation, project plan and risk register
• £2,250 fixed fee plus £750 success fee (ex VAT)*

[3] TSB SMART Prototype grant application preparation

• As per package [3] but allowing for more time to reflect requirement for added detail
• £2,500 fixed fee plus £1,000 success fee (ex VAT)*

NB! In all instances, an effective TSB SMART grant application will require that the client is able to input on/assist with some or all of the following aspects:

• Market evidence (size, competitors etc)
• Project/resource planning
• Budget input
• Obtaining letters of support (to further demonstrate ‘innovation’)
• Team makeup/capabilities
• Final online submission

Application support packages

We also recognise that some clients may wish to write their own bid and just need a fixed amount of guidance to improve their chances of being successful.

[4] TSB SMART briefing 101

Includes:

• Client briefing on TSB process
• Application strategy planning
• 1 day
• 1 meeting (UK travel within 100 miles)
• £300 (ex VAT)*

[5] TSB SMART briefing 101 Plus

Includes:

• As per package [4] plus a detailed review of your application prior to submission
• 2 days
• £500 (ex VAT)*

[6] TSB SMART re-submission review

If you have a previously-submitted application and wish to re-submit, we can help you review the TSB assessor feedback and to highlight the key changes you need to make to improve your chances of success. Includes:

• Review of previous application
• Review of assessor feedback
• Preparation of re-submission guidance report
• 1 day
• £300 (ex VAT)*

* Other than where stipulated, prices are based on working remotely from my home office (Leicestershire) but we are happy to travel for briefing meetings for contracted clients if travel expenses are covered.

 

Other grant funding activities

For all other works in connection with applying for public funding please contact us to discuss the specifics of your project.

 

Contact details

If you have any questions or to discuss your project please contact us

SpiderShedMedia is a trading name of Evil27 Games Limited