This discretionary fund from Inverclyde Council provides financial assistance to help businesses in the area that have been trading for at least 12 months to achieve specific net zero objectives.

For projects costing up to £10,000, the fund can provide up to £5,000 to help cover the costs. For projects that cost more than £10,000, the fund can provide up to £10,000 in grant funding.

Before you apply, Inverclyde Council will arrange a free audit of your business's carbon emissions. You can use the grant to cover the costs of the measures recommended by this audit to help your business move toward net zero carbon emissions.

Examples of eligible projects include:

• low energy lighting systems
• equipment that demonstrates a substantial energy saving
• a waste management system

To apply, you'll need to submit:

• the results of the audit arranged by Inverclyde Council
• a one-year cashflow projection
• evidence of trading status
• the last full year’s accredited accounts and up-to-date management accounts
• 3 quotes for project costs
• proof of business insurance
• an uncensored copy of a bank statement, dated within the past 3 months, that clearly shows the name of the account holder, the account number and sort code

If your business is operating from commercial premises, you must also submit evidence that you or your business owns the lease. 

You will need to meet with a business adviser from Business Gateway Inverclyde before you can apply.

You are eligible if your business:

• is trading from an address in Inverclyde
• has been trading for at least 12 months
• operates in a sector where there is unlikely to be a significant impact on other local businesses

You'll need to attend a one-to-one meeting with a business adviser from Business Gateway Inverclyde before you can apply.

If your business is operating from commercial premises, you must also submit evidence that you or your business owns the lease.

You cannot apply for funding for projects that have already started.

This is a free service. Free business advice is also provided.

For projects costing up to £10,000, the fund can provide up to £5,000 to help cover the costs. For projects that cost more than £10,000, the fund can provide up to £10,000 in grant funding.

You must be prepared to cover any additional costs from other sources.

The grant will be paid retrospectively into your business bank account after you submit evidence of your total project spending. You'll need to be able to cover the costs upfront before claiming back the grant amount.

Businesses that trade in the Inverclyde area.

Your application must be approved and all relevant information submitted before you can make a claim for payment. The time needed to approve applications will vary. 

Once you have submitted your claim, you'll usually receive payment within 20 days.

The grant will be paid retrospectively into your business bank account after you submit evidence of your total project spending. You must be able to cover the costs upfront before claiming back the grant amount.

You cannot apply for funding for projects that have already started.

Visit the Inverclyde Council website for more information.