UP TO £20m of European funding is available to stimulate enterprise in disadvantaged areas across the North West.

The Regional Development Fund Programme (ERDF) for the region has issued two open calls for projects, including providing business start-up support in areas across the region with higher than average rates of unemployment, and managing specialist projects throughout the region.

The North West Intensive Start Up Support (ISUS) programme ended in December 2011 and the ERDF recognises there is continuing demand for self-employment support across the North West.

It wants funding applications from organisations to deliver intensive pre-start, start-up support and up to 36 month aftercare to assist eligible people in disadvantaged communities, and other minorities, to start a business.

The second call is seeking applications to support a package of technical assistance projects at regional and/or sub- regional level to complement the role of the Department of Communities & Local Government in its delivery of the existing programme and in preparation for the 2014-2020 programme.

The ERDF aims to boost local economies by supporting businesses, creating and safeguarding employment and creating opportunities for local people.

All investment from the fund require match funding from other private or public sources.

Throughout the year the North West European Programme Delivery Team will work with Local Enterprise Partnerships to understand the priorities for their areas to help maximise investment opportunities for the remainder of 2007-13 programme to support business growth.

Information and details on how to apply are available within the North West section at www.communities.gov.uk/ erdf