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Green Business Grants are part of the government’s UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) and were previously known as Net Zero Business Grants.
Two types of grants are available. Small capital grants are available to apply for now and range from £500 to £4,999, while large capital grants are available to apply for from May, ranging from £5,000 to £10,000 and require a carbon survey.
Apply for a small capital grant before the end of May
Small capital grants (£500 to £4,999.99) can help businesses lower energy consumption, cut operational costs, and reduce carbon footprints. Capital funding refers to financial support allocated for infrastructure development directly associated with the business premises. You do not need a carbon survey to apply for a small capital grant.
Funding is for the cost of eligible technologies and direct installation. However, it does not include structural surveys or expenses related to permissions.
Businesses can use the grant for various energy-saving projects, including:
- insulation for cavity walls, lofts, and floors
- LED lighting and lighting controls
- insulation for pipes, flanges, valves, and boiler room components
- automated door systems and voltage optimisation
- installation of EV charging points
- energy-efficient cooking equipment, and other energy-saving appliances.
This list is not exhaustive, and businesses are encouraged to contact climate.emergency@n-somerset.gov.uk to discuss additional proposals and confirm eligibility.
How to apply
For full Green Business Grants guidance and application forms, visit Green Business Grants Programme.
To apply, businesses must first check their eligibility to ensure their project aligns with the programme’s objectives – information on eligibility can be found in the guidance document.
A quote for the proposed work is required as part of the application, along with supporting documents such as landlord permission or structural surveys if applicable.
Businesses can only apply for either the small capital grant or the large capital grant, not both. Large capital grant applications will open in May, and businesses will need to complete a carbon survey as part of the process.
Cllr Annemieke Waite, Executive Member for Climate, Waste and Sustainability at North Somerset Council, said: "Supporting businesses to become more energy-efficient is a crucial step in tackling climate change at a local level. These grants provide a fantastic opportunity for businesses to reduce their carbon footprint while also cutting operational costs. I encourage all eligible businesses to apply and take advantage of this support."
Cllr Mark Canniford, North Somerset Council’s Executive Member for Placemaking and Economy, said: "The Green Business Grant scheme is part of our ongoing commitment to creating a greener, more sustainable business community in North Somerset. By investing in energy-efficient solutions, businesses can future-proof themselves while contributing to our wider climate goals."
Applications must be submitted by Saturday 31 May and will be assessed based on potential energy savings and the overall impact on the business. Completed applications should be sent to climate.emergency@n-somerset.gov.uk.