Call for proposals - August 2021
This project call is now closed as of 09:00 on 5 October 2021.
In seeking outline business case proposals from organisations, we aim to put our county at the forefront of tacking two of humanity’s greatest challenges. As well as being critical to Dorset, the themes of healthy ageing and net zero sustainability align with the new UK Innovation Strategy which identifies both as national areas of priority.
Priority 1: One Health - Ageing Population (including digital health)
Proposals can include commercial innovations to tackle conditions in, for example, back or neck pain, osteoarthritis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, diabetes, depression or dementia. We will also welcome ideas for the development of support infrastructure related to ageing such as age-friendly SMART cities or other solutions involving urban or rural planning. Projects may focus on aspects of ageing touching on, for example, social care, mental wellbeing or loneliness and they may involve an active community contribution, whether voluntary or paid.
This is not an exhaustive list and we will consider all commercial innovations that address recognised age-related issues.
Priority 2: Low Carbon Energy Infrastructure
Here, we are looking for commercial innovations that help meet the UK’s net zero carbon ambition. They could be innovations in wind, solar, geothermal, hydro, marine and nuclear power, or net zero energy schemes, microgrids and so on. Applications can be in low carbon energy production as well as infrastructure such as housing or transport.
This is not an exhaustive list and we will consider all innovations in low carbon energy infrastructure aligned with the Dorset Low Carbon Investment Opportunities publication.
Outline Business Cases: What you need to know
While you may not have a fully refined business case, we do require a level of detail that explains how opportunities will have a transformative effect for people, places and businesses across Dorset. We're seeking exciting ideas that are worth public investment and realise a financial, economic, social and/or environmental return that will lead to increased productivity or growth in the region.
We're interested in projects ranging from £2 million to the region of £10 million, which require capital funding investment. You’ll need to provide a minimum 30% match-funded contribution (capital/revenue/in kind) through your own private, company or organisational funds. Match-funding using UK grants is not allowed.
Your business case should address challenges and opportunities while aligning with strategic priorities identified in the following publications:
While you are encouraged to read these documents for a deeper understanding, we have summarised the key points to aid your research:
Please note this call for proposals is not linked to any specific capital funding from Dorset LEP. It is part of a rolling initiative to support investment opportunities across the region.
If you're at the early concept or business idea stages, please contact our business growth hub, Dorset Gateway, for development support.
Submission Support: Online workshops
Workshop 1: An introduction to Outline Business Case proposals, 09:30 - 10:30, Thursday 2 September
This information session will guide potential applicants through the process and provide high-level information regarding the completion of outline business cases for this call.
View this online session on the Dorset LEP YouTube channel
Download the presentation slides for Workshop 1: An introduction to Outline Business Case proposals
Workshop 2: Outline Business Case - Writing Masterclass, 09:30 - 10:30, Wednesday 8 September
This writing masterclass will provide potential applicants with an in-depth understanding on what to include in your proposal.
View this online session on the Dorset LEP YouTube channel
Download the presentation slides for Workshop 2: Outline Business Case - Writing Masterclass
Key facts to consider
- Development of an outline business case is at the applicant's own cost
- Outline business cases need to be developed proportionally to the size of the project
- Capital funding is not currently linked to this call
- Shortlisted applicants will be required to produce a three-minute pitch video summarising the project highlights, ideally via smart phone - guidance will be provided
- Not all shortlisted outline business cases are guaranteed to be taken forward, however for those that are selected, you will need to be in a position to develop a Full Business Case during November/December 2021.
Please read the below information before beginning your outline business case: