Green Impact Fund launched for local businesses and organisations

A new £1.8 million funding programme has been launched to support local businesses and community organisations in their efforts to adopt sustainable practices and technologies.

A new £1.8 million funding programme has been launched to support local businesses and community organisations in their efforts to adopt sustainable practices and technologies.

We have introduced the Green Impact Fund as part of our ongoing commitment to fostering economic growth while protecting the environment. The initiative is one of the projects supported with a share of the £16 million of capital funding from the Devon and Torbay devolution deal.

The Green Impact Fund is a capital grant scheme which is open to all businesses and community organisations located within the Devon and Torbay area.

Grants of between £5,000 and £49,999 are available to businesses and community organisations that are developing or implementing innovative solutions to reduce their environmental impact and help move towards a carbon net-zero economy.

Eligible projects may include, but are not limited to, renewable energy installations, energy efficiency improvements, waste reduction programmes, and sustainable product development.

Grants can cover up to 80% of project costs for revenue-generating enterprises and up to 100% for non-profit organisations.

Applications must be submitted by Friday 29 November 2024. Awarded grants must be spent by 31 March 2025.

The initiative is funded by the UK Government as part of the Devon and Torbay Devolution Deal and managed by us, at Devon County Council.

Councillor Rufus Gilbert, Devon County Council Cabinet Member for Economic Recovery and Skills, said:

“The Green Impact Fund is an innovative way to help businesses and organisations across Devon and Torbay to speed up their efforts to tackle carbon emissions. Widening the adoption of decarbonisation will enable more people to share in our net zero ambitions.

“Local businesses can use this opportunity to showcase their commitment to the environment, enhance their brand reputation, and contribute to the region’s green economy. This is a significant investment in the local green job market which has the potential to generate and secure employment, boost productivity and enable businesses and community organisations to lower their operational costs as well as their carbon emissions.”

Grants through the Green Impact Fund are exclusively for capital expenditure which results in the acquisition, construction, or enhancement of long-term assets.

Interested businesses and organisations can find more information, check eligibility, and apply online through our webpage.

For more information, please contact: green.grants@devon.gov.uk