Introduction
Innovate UK is inviting ambitious businesses, that are interested in applying to future rounds of Energy Catalyst funding, to apply for an international brokerage trip to Ghana. Delivered in partnership with Innovate UK EDGE, the programme of support consists of a preparation phase, followed by a 7 day country visit, and post visit support from Innovate UK EDGE.

Why Ghana

Ghana has a population of 32.37 million, and an economy that grew 4.1% in 2021. With English as the official language and similar business and legal systems to the UK, it provides a friendly business environment for UK companies. Services form the bulk of the economy, followed by industry and agriculture. Ghana’s Government has set out a plan for industrialisation and economic diversification providing opportunities for UK companies. Government policy in the energy sector pushes for a significant increase and diversification in its energy resources. This includes a Renewable Energy Master Plan, an investment-focused framework for development and promotion of Ghana’s rich renewable energy resources to propel economic growth, improve social life and reduce effects of climate change. This energy policy is embodied in the Strategic National Energy Plan 2006-2020.

What to expect:

Energy Catalyst international brokerage is a structured programme around three main phases and each business will have support from Innovate UK EDGE for the duration of the offering, including developing an action plan to capitalise on the opportunities identified. The three main phases are:
• Getting ready: Pre-visit briefing to build knowledge and understanding of the market and
potential opportunities, including how to do business, cultural aspects, how to protect your
IP and training on how to improve your pitch and articulate your value proposition.
• Market visit: Access to NGOs, local businesses, academics, and governments who will
be able to provide information about local opportunities and with potential to become
partners.
• Helping you make the best of the opportunity: Support from Innovate UK EDGE to follow up
and take advantage of the opportunities identified.
Applicant Briefing Event

For more information on this programme and to compliment your application you are invited to attend the applicant briefing event which will take place 13th July 10am BST.
To register for this event please click HERE

About Energy Catalyst international brokerage: Energy Catalyst international brokerage brings together cohorts of up to 12 innovative UK businesses who are interested in applying for funding but need help tailoring their technologies to a market and/or building collaborations and partnerships.

They are not about trade and export, but on helping innovative UK businesses tap into complementary knowledge, skills, facilities, in the chosen country and building understanding, insight, collaborations, partnerships and networks to enable to business to apply for Energy Catalyst funding

The support can last up to 12 months and is structured around three phases:-

• Getting ready for the market: Pre-visit briefing to build knowledge and understanding of the market and potential opportunities, including how to do business, cultural aspects, how to protect your IP and training on how to improve your pitch and articulate your value proposition.

• Market visit: Access to NGOs, local businesses, academics, and governments who will be able to provide information about local opportunities and with potential to become partners.

• Making the most of the opportunity: One-to-one support from Innovate UK EDGE to follow up and take advantage of the opportunities identified.

By applying for a place on this initiative, businesses commit to participating in all three delivery phases to maximise the opportunities for the business and public investment. An individual senior person from the business will be expected to participate in all activities and should be the named applicant.

Successful businesses will have designated support from Innovate UK EDGE for up to 12 months, including developing an action plan to capitalise on the opportunities identified. 

On acceptance to Energy Catalyst international brokerage event, a commitment fee of £500 (ex VAT) will be obtained from each successful company which will be returned after their involvement in all activities. Non-attendance of any part of the initiative after formal acceptance may result in forfeiting some or all of the fee. You will be sent a link to pay your deposit in order to confirm your place once you have been formally accepted.

PLEASE NOTE: Successful applicants will be expected to fully comply with any conditions of travel to Indonesia as well as any local regulations on face covering and social distancing. As such, you might be required to provide proof of vaccination, valid travel medical insurance and/or negative COVID-19 test ahead of travel. The safety of our delegation is our top priority. If the COVID-19 situation does not allow us to travel to the market, a virtual visit or postponement of the visit may be considered.

Deadline for applications is 14th August 2022.
Application Form Process

3 sections to complete:
Section 1 Applicant information
Section 2 Business information and suitability with scope and objective
Section 3 Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
 
To help you work on your application offline, a Word document version of this form can be downloaded HERE. Please note the offline form is only for your own use, and the information you wish to submit MUST BE ENTERED ONLINE for the application to be accepted.
Section 2 is your opportunity to provide information that will be assessed against the scope and objectives for the programme.

Make sure to complete all sections.
Programme Information
Title Energy Catalyst Brokerage
Country Ghana Technology/Sector area Clean Cooking

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