Small and medium-sized businesses in the Cheltenham borough are being invited to apply for grants of up to £5,000 for projects which will help them become more energy efficient.
Cheltenham Borough Council has relaunched its Cheltenham Zero Business Fund this July 2025, with a total of £36,655 available to local businesses for capital projects which will improve their energy efficiency, boosting the borough's net zero drive and saving businesses money.
Funded through the government's UK Shared Prosperity Fund, the scheme is open to businesses that are signed up to the Cheltenham Zero initiative; a council-led, cross-sector collaboration which aims to support local businesses to 'future proof' their operations and reduce costs through achieving net zero.
Further criteria includes having a carbon reduction audit and subsequent plan, which will inform which energy efficiency projects are best suited to an organisation.
In the 2023/24 rounds of the fund, 19 local businesses received grants for a range of projects, from the installation of solar panels and EV changing points, to the retro fit of LED lighting.
Richard Pinegar, the council's cabinet member for climate emergency, said: 'This grant is about empowering our local businesses to be part of the climate solution. By supporting practical, measurable carbon reduction projects, we’re not only helping the environment but also strengthening Cheltenham’s economy.
'We know that many SMEs want to take climate action but face financial barriers. This scheme removes some of those hurdles and gives them the tools to make lasting changes. It’s a win-win for business and the planet.'
Isobel Filipova, Cheltenham Zero business initiative manager added: 'Taking steps towards being a net zero carbon business boosts your reputation, attracts customers and clients and future proofs your business as well as reducing operation costs.
'The 19 businesses who were awarded the fund in 2023/2024 have seen significant growth in their business due to their net zero carbon commitments.'
The closing date for applications to the scheme is Tuesday 30 September 2025. For more details including how to apply visit the Cheltenham Zero website.
