The East Ayrshire Net Zero Grant provides up to 50% funding, up to £3,000, to support local businesses to transition towards net zero carbon emissions and also help offset the current rises in energy costs.

The fund is intended to help small to medium-sized businesses (SMEs) to implement energy and resource efficiency improvements. It can be used for:

• the purchase of equipment that would contribute to energy saving
• green skills training
• renewable energy installations (for example, solar, ground or air source heat pumps)
• waste management or recycling
• lighting systems
• roof and building insulation
• low energy heating

East Ayrshire Council contributed to a Low Carbon Challenge Fund (LCCF) programme managed by the University of Strathclyde. This service also allows SMEs to access up to 7 hours of free support around carbon reduction and energy efficiency which ultimately provides a carbon reduction plan for the business.

The grant is available to small to medium-sized businesses (SMEs) based in East Ayrshire.

To be eligible, a business must:

• have been trading for at least 12 months
• employ between 3 and 49 people
• be working with Business Energy Scotland or the University of Strathclyde
• have completed a business energy efficiency audit and created a carbon reduction plan

It is free to apply. East Ayrshire Council will cover up to 50% of the eligible costs, up to a maximum of £3,000. Applicants will have to cover the remaining costs through other sources.

The grant will be paid to the applicant when the project has been completed and the supplier has been paid. This means that you must be able to afford the project’s full cost initially until you are refunded.

Small to medium-sized businesses (SMEs) in East Ayrshire that want to implement energy and resource efficiency improvements to help achieve net zero.

The net zero grant can be applied for all year round.

Once your application is received, a member of the East Ayrshire Council’s Business Support Team will be in touch to discuss your application. There may be a slight delay due to the high volume of applicants.

Visit the East Ayrshire Council website for contact details of their Business Support Team to discuss this grant.