The European Innovation Council (EIC) Accelerator is the EU’s largest ever initiative to help scale startups, with up to €3 billion of funding to be deployed until the end of 2020, and a €10 billion budget for the 2021-2027 period.

The EIC Accelerator provides grants of up to €2.5 million, as well an optional equity investment in addition to the grant of up to €15 million (for a total of up to €17.5 million in blended finance) for companies from pre-commercial to market & scale-up phases. The funding comes together with business coaching and mentoring, as well as extra acceleration services to connect with more potential investors, corporates and likeminded entrepreneurs.

The program provides a great opportunity for all early stage investors and their portfolio companies – all you need to do to access the EIC grant or the additional equity investment with the EU as your co-investor is submit a proposal! Upcoming deadlines for submissions are 18 March, 19 May and 7 October, so hurry up! Never written a proposal for EU related funding before or need support during the process? The Commission’s National Contact Points can provide guidance, practical information and assistance to help you complete the proposals with no charge! Find an NCP in your country.

EBAN Member Zaz Ventures also provides consulting services for proposal writing on a no-win no-pay basis – find out more.