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Net Zero Business Grants are capital grants of up to £30,000 to install renewables and energy efficiency measures. They are available to Community Interest Companies and eligible small and medium sized businesses (SMEs) with a registered trading address within North Somerset.
Match funding of up to 70% by North Somerset Council is available, dependent on the size of the business, the location and type of project.
Why Net Zero Business Grants?
North Somerset Council is committed to addressing the causes and consequences of climate change. Reducing emissions is one of the ways by which it aims to be a net zero council by 2030.
The council launched the Net Zero Programme in April 2023 to support local SMEs in reducing their carbon footprint. The Net Zero Business Grant is funded through the government’s UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF).
What types of projects can be funded?
The first round of funding allowed businesses to install LED lighting, solar panels, air source heat pumps, mechanical ventilation, and cavity wall and loft insulations. Given the climate crisis and ongoing cost-of-living increase, these works that can reduce energy bills play a key role in helping businesses to focus on long-term cost savings.
How to apply
The 2-step process consists of a free carbon survey, followed by a full application to the Grants Programme.
The first step is for anyone interested to register for the free carbon survey. The surveys are available until the end of September 2023.
Once all surveys have been completed and reviewed, businesses will be informed in October of the final step of the application process.
Interested? Book your free carbon survey for your business here.
If you would like more information, please email climate.emergency@n-somerset.gov.uk.
Councillor Annemieke Waite, North Somerset Council’s Executive Member for Climate, Waste and Sustainability, said:
“It is great to see that the UKSPF supports our local businesses during this challenging economic period. As well as transitioning to become a net zero area, it is important we recognise that energy saving initiatives are about more than cost savings. They can have many cross-benefits for the wider community, including better air quality, improved health and wellbeing, and reduced pressure on the NHS.
“Sign up for your free carbon survey today to begin learning how this grant can benefit your business in the long-term!”
There are lots of ways to do your bit to reduce your carbon footprint and help tackle the climate emergency. Find out more at www.n-somerset.gov.uk/climateaction
Councillor Mark Canniford, North Somerset Council’s Executive Member for Spatial Planning, Placemaking and Economy, said:
“This second round of funding is dedicated to improving our community’s resilience to the climate emergency and ensuring local businesses are equipped to face future challenges. The UKSPF makes up part of our ongoing efforts to improve the lives of residents whilst boosting the local economy to ensure North Somerset will continue to thrive as a place to live, work and visit.”
For more information about the UKSPF programme in North Somerset, visit https://innorthsomerset.co.uk/ukspf.
The UK Shared Prosperity Fund is a central pillar of the UK government’s Levelling Up agenda and provides £2.6 billion of funding for local investment by March 2025. The Fund aims to improve pride in place and increase life chances across the UK investing in communities and place, supporting local business, and people and skills. For more information, visit www.gov.uk/government/publications/uk-shared-prosperity-fund-prospectus.
The UK Shared Prosperity Fund replaces the EU Structural and Investment Funds (ESIF).
The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) launched the Rural England Prosperity Fund (Rural Fund), a top up to the UKSPF worth up to £110 million for 2023/24 and 2024/25. It is the domestic replacement for the European funded LEADER Programme used to support the development of rural economies. For more information, visit www.gov.uk/government/publications/rural-england-prosperity-fund-prospectus/rural-england-prosperity-fund-prospectus.
