£120,000 of Cheltenham Zero Business funds has been awarded to 19 successful small to medium sized Cheltenham businesses, which focus on a diverse range of projects addressing low carbon transitions and improving energy efficiency.
The funds will enable businesses to save on energy costs and unlock barriers to sustainable choices.
The funding pot was made available by Cheltenham Borough Council, which received £100k from UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, aimed to support local businesses as Cheltenham’s work on the climate emergency ramps up.
The awarded projects will have a total investment of £580k including £120k of matched funding intended to be delivered during 2024-2025.
Cllr Iain Dobie, cabinet member for climate emergency said: “This funding demonstrates the Council’s commitment to supporting residents, businesses, communities, and the public sector on the journey to net zero, through the Cheltenham Zero partnership. This funding provides opportunities to improve energy efficiency and carbon reduction, resulting in reduced bills at a time when businesses need it most.
“I’m so pleased we can support a diverse range of businesses from cafes and galleries to surgeries and solicitors. All these businesses are taking an innovative step working on several positive and impactful projects.’’
The funding was delivered in partnership with Vision 21, a Gloucestershire based sustainability charity. A comprehensive package of support delivered by local experts, was put together to assist businesses in the application process and project delivery.
Angie Petkovic, Beechurst Serviced Apartments, a successful applicant said: “The Cheltenham Zero grant will be put to good use as part of our capital expenditure in our infrastructure, supporting us with energy and carbon saving measures. These include extending our solar panel array and battery facilities, solar-enabling our hot water system, and looking at centralised controls for heating for example.”
Some of the innovative businesses who have secured a grant from the 2024 Cheltenham Zero Business Fund are listed below:
- The Leckhampton Surgery – £10,000 – Solar PV installation project.
- Albright IP Limited – £5000 – The installation of three accessible Electric Vehicle (EV) charging stations within the business car park.
- Purslane Restaurant – £1794 – Purchase and installation of loft insulation and LED compatible light fittings in the restaurant
A full list of successful applicants and further details about each project can be found on the Cheltenham Zero website.