ERDF Requirements

The focus of the ERDF 2007-13 programme is on innovation, business growth and enterprise.

It is expected that project applications will come from a range of partnership organisations directly involved in the delivery of these priority activities.

Under EU rules, ERDF is not available directly to individual SMEs. 

Potential applicants should carefully consider ERDF compliance requirements and ensure that they have the capacity and expertise to manage these effectively.

Prior to submitting a proposal, you must ensure that you can comply with the detailed ERDF requirements outlined in the Guide to running an ERDF project document.

Potential applicants must be eligible to apply for an ERDF grant in accordance with Structural Funds regulations and comply with stringent EU regulatory requirements on:

• Eligibility
• Match funding
• Record keeping
• Financial and output monitoring and reporting requirements
• EU information and publicity requirements
• Tendering and procurement rules
• State aid.

Potential applicants should be aware that all projects will be subject to periodic ‘healthchecks’, monitoring and verification visits.