Local businesses have a chance to bid for up to £25,000 to put towards decarbonisation or environmental improvement projects – but they’ll need to be quick.
After successfully awarding over £600,000 in grants to 115 organisations as part of the Shared Prosperity Fund earlier in the year, the council has £100,000 remaining to be allocated.
This means that we are launching a final opportunity for small and medium-sized businesses in Brighton & Hove to apply for grants to help them invest in equipment, infrastructure or upgrades that will measurably reduce carbon outputs or improve the natural environment.
Individual grants of up to £25,000 that can be allocated and spent by March 2025 will be considered. Any money not spent by that date needs to be returned to government.
Councillor Tim Rowkins, Cabinet member for Net Zero and Environmental Services, said: “Many businesses in the city really want to take steps to decarbonise their operations and become sustainable, but their margins are too tight to progress at the rate they would like.
“We want to make sure our local businesses have every opportunity to access funds that are available to them, so I’m really pleased to be able to offer another chance to support them.
“Aside from the obvious environmental benefits, investing in decarbonisation can improve the efficiency of a business’ operations and can lead to long term financial savings.
“Helping our local businesses play an active role in addressing climate change is central to us supporting a thriving economy and a sustainable and clean environment.”
Previous applicants for this grant have been awarded grants for decarbonisation investment including: e-cargo bikes to reduce diesel use; upgraded equipment and tools; more energy efficient heating and lighting; and sensors for monitoring energy use.
These business decarbonisation grants can only be awarded for capital investments, such as buying or upgrading an existing asset, it’s not for running costs.
Eligible businesses include small and medium-sized enterprises of any type, social enterprises, community interest companies, and sole traders that are registered within the Brighton & Hove City Council area.
If you think your businesses meets the criteria and you’d like more information, or would like to apply, please email spf@brighton-hove.gov.uk or call the council switchboard on 01273 290 000 and ask for the Shared Prosperity Fund Project Manager.
Anyone who wants to apply will receive a form asking for details of how much you’re applying for, what the money will be spent on and the measurable decarbonisation benefits to your business. You’ll also need to be able to provide a full set of accounts from the previous year and have a business bank account for grant payments.
A completed form needs to be returned by 10am on 6 November 2024.
Proposals that demonstrate the most significant potential for decarbonisation and contribute to a regenerative economy will be shortlisted for funding. Once approved, the details of the supported projects will be published on the council’s website.
More information about the Shared Prosperity Fund and its impact on the community can be found on the council’s website.
Funded by the UK government, the UK Shared Prosperity Fund is providing £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.
