In theory, the Home Office published guidance states that Endorsing Bodies appointed by the UK government to assess whether applicants have innovative, viable and scalable business plans should not charge for endorsing. However, the reality is that Endorsing Bodies were not initially resourced and prepared to assume this mandate, especially without any remuneration. To adapt and fulfill their duties towards the Home Office to conduct regular checks for endorsed innovator applicants, Endorsing Bodies developed incubation and mentoring arms. As a result, some Endorsing Bodies began charging applicants fees directly for their mentoring efforts, or indirectly through associated companies for refining their business plans and preparing them for endorsement. It has been reported by some applicants that fees paid to Endorsing Bodies vary depending on the scope of support provided. Therefore, there is no straightforward answer as to how much an applicant has to pay an endorsing body. In some rare occasions, Endorsing Bodies may incubate, support, and even raise funds for applicants whose business ideas align with their investment and mission. It's important to note that each Endorsing Body may have different policies and fees associated with their services, and it's recommended to research and compare different options to find the best fit for your business idea.
