Local businesses are being asked to come forward with projects to drive green growth in Devon’s economy.
Our Economy Enterprise and Skills service is launching its Green Innovation Fund as part of its economic recovery programme. Expressions of interest are initially being sought before Monday 8 November.
The £900,000 funding pot has been set up to support clean growth in Devon. It is open to ideas from across a wide variety of business sectors, including but not limited to, agriculture, marine sciences, retail, renewable energy, manufacturing and hydrogen technologies, electric vehicles and tourism.
Grants from around £25,000 to £200,000 are available for the most innovative projects which align with the Devon Climate Plan and can demonstrate economic benefits, generating new jobs, apprenticeships, training opportunities, or business creation as well as measurable environmental benefits, such as carbon savings.
Technology must be viable and replicable, and ideal projects would be able to be scaled up after our funding ends, attracting additional funding sources and continuing to contribute to the growth of the Devon economy.
Councillor Rufus Gilbert, our Cabinet Member for Economic Recovery and Skills, said:
“To ensure that Devon’s recovery from the pandemic enables our economy to be stronger and more sustainable, we not only want to build back better, we want to build back greener.
“We need to ensure that Devon’s economy can grow while still meeting Net Zero targets and that will require innovation, and new products and services which support the work of existing environmental strategies.
“This Green Innovation Fund has been set up as part of the our recovery programme and in line with the Team Devon Recovery Prospectus. We’re looking to fund projects which support clean, green growth, and expand our economy.”
To be eligible for funding, applicants must be based in the Devon County Council area (excluding Plymouth and Torbay). Applications can be accepted from limited companies, public sector organisations, charities, social enterprises, and sole traders with a registered business. Projects with match funding or levering additional funds will be looked upon favourably and all funds must be spent before March 2023.
For details of how to apply please visit the Green Innovation Fund webpages. All “Expression of Interest” submissions must be sent to economygrants@devon.gov.uk by 9am on Monday 8 November.
All applicants will be contacted by the end of November. Those who are successful will be invited to submit a full application by Tuesday 4 January.