Structural Funds are monies allocated to regions to stimulate economic development. There are two types of structural funding: ERDF – European Regional Development Funds which finances investment to create jobs, aid to small firms and ESF – European Social Fund which funds training and skills.
Managed by Advantage West Midlands, the West Midlands was awarded €400m (£267 million) under the Competitiveness and Employment Objective (Successor to Objective 2 and 3) for the new ERDF Programme which runs from 2007 – 2013.
In addition to this there is a single national ESF Programme which is managed nationally by the Department for Work and Pensions and will provide funding to support skills and training.
The ERDF Programme will focus on five priority areas of activity. To read more about the priorities and programme content, view the sections below.
The ERDF Programme will focus on five priority areas of activity.
Partnership plays a key role in the delivery and management of the ERDF Programme.
Project applications seeking both ERDF and match funding will be done via the three "delivery vehicles".
This section provides information on key issues to consider for the delivery of ERDF projects once approved.
ESF programme for England has the aim of extending employment opportunities and developing a skilled and adaptable workforce.