Net Zero Grants
The West Midlands Combined Authority and Birmingham City Council have a number of grants available to help businesses in their journey to Net Zero.
In this section, we will set out what help is available, what it can be used for, and how to apply.
These grants are funded by the UK Government Levelling Up Fund.
The Business Energy Advice Service (BEAS)
This funding stream seeks to support businesses to mitigate the impact of rising energy costs and support their transition to Net Zero. It supports businesses to purchase assess that will help them to be more energy efficient and cost effective in their businesses.
Who can apply?
SMEs based in the West Midlands Combined Authority can apply. This includes all SMEs based in Birmingham, but can also apply to other sites you may run across the WMCA Geography.
The following businesses are not eligible to apply:
- Charities
- Political / religious organisations
- Businesses involving pornography or clairvoyance
- Any other business activity that is illegal or deemed unsuitable for public support by Birmingham City Council
You can read the full eligibility criteria here.
How much funding is available?
The fund provides grants of between £1,000 – £100,000. The level of grant will depend on the value of the items being purchased, and will require 50% match funding. This means that if you are applying for funds to cover the cost equipment costing £3,000, the fund will provide a grant of £1,500. You will need to provide the remaining £1,500.
These grants can be used for a wide range of interventions, but cannot be used to purchase equipment that produces renewable sources of energy (e.g. wind turbines and solar panels.
Please see here for more advice on funds to support these investments)
How does it work?
In order to be eligible, as well as meeting the criteria above, your businesses must undergo a free Energy Audit. The Audit is carried out by Aston University. The funding can then be applied for to cover the cost of the recommendations from the audit.
Applications from businesses who have not undertaken the audit will not be eligible.
The deadline for applications is March 2025.
To find out more, and start the application process, click here.
Net Zero Grant Programme
This funding stream seeks to support businesses to reduce their environmental impact and reduce the impact of rising energy costs. The aim of the fund is to reduce financial barriers for SMEs.
Who can apply?
SMEs based in the West Midlands Combined Authority can apply. This includes all SMEs based in Birmingham, but can also apply to other sites you may run across the WMCA Geography.
The following businesses are not eligible to apply:
- Charities
- Political / religious organisations
- Businesses involving pornography or clairvoyance
- Any other business activity that is illegal or deemed unsuitable for public support by Birmingham City Council
You can view the full eligibility criteria here.
How much funding is available?
For Start-ups, grants of between £1,000 – £7,500 are available. For established SMEs (those trading for 2 years or longer), grants between £1,000 – £100,00 are available.
The level of grant will depend on the value of the items being purchased, and will require 50% match funding. This means that if you are applying for funds to cover the cost equipment costing £3,000, the fund will provide a grant of £1,500. You will need to provide the remaining £1,500.
These grants are capital grants and can be used to purchase a wide range of equipment, including those that produce renewable sources of energy. Training and skills development cannot be funded through this work stream.
How does it work?
In order to be eligible, as well as meeting the criteria above, your businesses must undergo an Energy Audit. If you have undertaken an independent Energy Audit, you can send a copy to wmpg@birmingham.gov.uk.
Alternatively, you can take advantage of a free energy audit, carried out by Aston University. The funding can then be applied for to cover the cost of the recommendations from your audit.
Applications from businesses who have not undertaken the audit will not be eligible.
The deadline for applications is March 2025.
To find out more, and start the application process, click here.