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Foundational Economy Innovation Fund

Foundational Economy Innovation Fund Testing Phase

Funds Greater Manchester businesses testing everyday-economy innovation projects through FEIF grants.

ClosedGreater Manchester Combined AuthorityUK-GREATER-MANCHESTERDeep-tech · adjacent

Eligibility · Greater Manchester, United Kingdom

Greater Manchester Combined Authority administers the Foundational Economy Innovation Fund as a phased grant route for projects in the everyday economy. The captured official page says FEIF supports projects that drive innovation and improve productivity and working conditions in adult social care, early education and childcare, and retail, leisure and hospitality.

The testing phase is the first FEIF phase. Round 2 backed 25 projects, each receiving GBP 11,000 in the testing phase, and successful applicants use the smaller lump sum over nine months to scope their projects and prepare for possible scale-up.

The applicant path includes entrepreneurs, businesses and organisations. The source does not publish a current application form, deadline, scoring rubric, or open call; it describes prior rounds and currently funded projects, so this row is recorded as between cycles rather than open.

Applicants should treat the testing phase as a project-scoping grant and confirm whether a new FEIF round is accepting applications before preparing materials. The related project archive shows examples including digital engagement platforms, AI-assisted form support, mobile apps, food-waste processing, and service-productivity tools, but individual project descriptions are not separate grant opportunities.

Testing projects that improve productivity and working conditions in adult social care, early education and childcare, retail, leisure, hospitality, and related everyday-economy services, including digital service tools and process innovation.

CycleiHow often this grant runs — e.g. annually, on a rolling basis, or a one-off call.
Next deadlineiThe next date applications are due. Rolling means you can apply any time.—
Decision timeiTypical time from the deadline to the funder's decision.—
Project durationiHow long the funded work is expected to run.9 months
Award typeiThe form of funding — grant, equity, loan, tax credit, etc.Grant
Match fundingiThe share of project costs you must cover yourself. 0% = fully funded.0%
Funding pooliThe total budget available across all awards in this round.—

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Last verified: 29 Jun 2026Source: www.greatermanchester-ca.gov.uk