Businesses in Birmingham and Solihull encouraged to apply for new GBSLEP clean growth grant

A new fund to support local businesses in Birmingham and Solihull adapt to a sustainable, low carbon future has been unveiled. 

As part of its £1.2 million Clean Growth Programme, Greater Birmingham and Solihull Local Enterprise Partnership (GBSLEP) is offering up to £4,000 per grant for businesses to:

• Pivot their business strategy
• Innovate product development
• Improve the energy efficiency of operations

This new ‘Green Innovation Pivot Reports’ fund will help businesses maximise on opportunities that net zero is creating. By pivoting their businesses, SMEs can take advantage of new commercial opportunities in the growing Clean Growth sector.

The application window for SMEs is now open and closes on 11 February 2022.

With the Government’s continued ambition to drive down carbon emissions including the commitments made at COP26 last year, helping local businesses become greener and more sustainable is a major priority for GBSLEP and GBSLEP Growth Hub.

Last month a dedicated virtual Sustainability Hub was opened to businesses. It has a range of support and advice to make it easier for SMEs to achieve their clean growth and decarbonisation goals.

Councillor Ian Courts, leader of Solihull Council and GBSLEP Net Zero Champion said:

“When GBSLEP launched its Clean Growth Programme last month, we made a commitment to help our businesses be at the forefront of the Green Industrial Revolution.

“This latest initiative addresses one of the big challenges that many businesses tell us they face in grasping the commercial opportunities as we transition to a more sustainable economy. By applying for grants from this new GBSLEP fund, businesses can secure high-quality advice from service providers in the region who can advise on how best to pivot their products, services and strategy and unlock their growth potential.

“To date, GBSLEP has already helped many businesses adapt their operations during Covid-19 through our Pivot and Prosper programme and most recently our WM Low Carbon and Circular Economy Fund.”

David Horsfall, director of Tyseley Energy Park commented:

“For all businesses the race to net zero is one of the major themes that is informing decision-making today. As a 300-year-old business, we have already adapted our site in Tyseley, developing solutions for power, heating, transport and waste processing that address key societal challenges as part of the transition to a zero carbon energy future. However, there is still more to do and that’s why we will be applying for this latest round of GBSLEP funding as part of £1.2 million Clean Growth Programme.”

The Green Innovation Pivot grant is open to SMEs with 11-249 employees and at least three years trading within the GBSLEP region. GBSLEP will cover up to 80% of the project costs, up to a maximum of £4000.

To apply for the grant, visit the dedicated page on the Sustainability Hub website here