The agency has provided the funding to small and medium-sized firms through the Regional Attraction Fund (RAF), delivered in partnership with the Northwest Development Agency (NWDA).
The fund, which offers packages from £10,000 to £50,000, is designed to encourage and promote the development and growth of companies within the TV, film, games and digital content sectors. The funding is designed to help firms develop new products, skills and business models. 
Almost £140,000 of these funds were invested into Merseyside-based firms: 

• Video games company Citrus Suite is set to benefit from £50,000 of funding, which it will use to invest into a new Nintendo Wiiware download game.
• Liverpool-based Catalyst Outsourcing, a games production service company, has received £40,000. The money will be used to hire a new producer and invest in asset management software.
• Digital art production studio Milky Tea, which recently helped to deliver artwork for a high profile computer game for the BBC, has received £24,900 to invest into a new flash game demo.'
• Liverpool-based games company Dou Yi Dou has received £24,795, which will be used to invest into developing a digital prototype of a Chinese crossword game.
• Also, Warrington-based production company Carbon Digital is set to benefit from £34,000 of funding, which will enable the firm to recruit a freelance artist and invest in a mentor to develop a marketing strategy.

Citrus Suite's development director Chris Morland said: "The RAF has helped Citrus Suite make the move from service provider to video game developer, whilst enabling us to keep hold of our own original IP.
"Without this input it would have been tough for us to realise our ambitions and publish a game on Nintendo's WiiWare platform."
Paul Taylor, director of business delivery at Northwest Vision and Media, said: "Investment in development is essential for all businesses if they want to grow, but difficult for many to finance, particularly at this scale. It is often considered too risky for bank debt but too small for equity.
"The aim of this funding is to stimulate growth in the sector so that our creative and digital businesses can take full advantage of the significant opportunities regionally with MediaCityUK, nationally and globally. 
"Since RAF was established, we've assisted 211 companies and helped to create 225 jobs through the fund, which is a fantastic record.  This year alone, we've been able to provide over £900,000 of funding, matched by private investment and backed up with high quality advice and mentoring.
"We're delighted to be able to offer this level of support for the growth and development of creative and digital talent in the North West."
Peter Mearns, executive director of marketing and communications for the NWDA, said: "By supporting business and product development, the RAF enables growth and provides a boost to the regional economy. It supports job creation for creative professionals in the North West and reinforces the region's reputation as one of the most attractive locations in the UK for aspiring new talent."