Businesses in Norfolk and Suffolk with ambitions to reduce their carbon footprint and increase productivity can apply for grants of up to £100k under a new scheme.
New Anglia Local Enterprise Partnership has launched the Business Transition to Net Zero Grant – backing initiatives which will contribute to the region’s ambitions to become the UK’s clean growth region.
Grants between £25k and £100k are available, with a maximum intervention rate of 20% of the cost of the development. To be awarded the minimum of £25k, SMEs applying must show total project costs of at least £125k.
The scheme will fund capital developments, rather than LED lighting or the supply or installation of solar panels. Eligible schemes will include those which improve productivity for the business and supply chain and make use of clean and/or renewable energy production and the recycling of goods and materials.
Businesses will be taken though a consultancy to develop a decarbonisation plan, if they don’t have one already, and these will include aspirations for energy efficiency, water efficiency, waste reduction, and a reduced impact on the natural environment.
Excluded sectors are primary agriculture (including processing and marketing of agricultural products), horticulture, fisheries, aquaculture, forestry, coal, steel, shipbuilding, care, education, retail, hospitality or accommodation.
New Anglia Growth Hub, which is part of the LEP’s Business Growth Programme, is administering the new scheme.
Jo Ferriss, Engagement Specialist at the Growth Hub, said: “Businesses need support if the region is to fulfil its ambitions around clean growth and we want to hear from companies with innovative ideas that will both improve productivity and support their transition to net zero.
“If you are an eligible business, I would urge you to get in touch and speak to one of our business growth advisors about developing an action plan and submitting an application.”
Applicants must employ fewer than 250 people and all business developments must be fully completed by 31 March 2023.
To find out more and apply for a grant, go to https://newanglia.co.uk/grant/business-transition-to-net-zero-grant/
