Low carbon grants of up to £10,000 are available for SMEs in the Barrow area.
They are aimed at eligible businesses that want to save energy costs, improve their energy efficiency, or are ready to install renewable energy.
Supported by the ERDF, the programme is managed by Art Gene on behalf of Barrow Borough Council and Cumbria LEP and has been open since October.
So far, Art Gene has received over 40 expressions of interest and queries from organisations based around the borough, from Walney to Ireleth.
Projects are at various stages of development. One has completed, saving the business a projected 3.8 tonnes of carbon every year, as well as cutting energy costs.
Jo Reilly, Low Carbon Barrow grants lead, said: “It’s been great to see a wide variety of businesses come forward with project ideas. Seven pioneering organisations have been awarded a grant in principle and we’re now inviting another round of expressions of interest from local businesses.”
“Time is very limited and organisations that want to deliver projects before the next energy price rise in October need to hurry. The grant programme is funded by the European Regional Development Fund and is only available this year – all projects must be completed in 2022/23.”
Qualifying organisations can be awarded up to 70 per cent of project costs, helping to make the move to low carbon technologies and practices more affordable.
