Finance by region: South West England

These support schemes and networks are available in South West England:

• Clean Growth UK (South West Hub) offers SMEs funding, coaching and grant application support
• Climate Essentials for Business – Climate Essentials has partnered with Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council to offer free tools and support to help 80 businesses reduce their carbon footprint for a year. The programme includes access to a carbon calculator, personalised reduction plan and 1:1 support. It is aimed at SME businesses with up to 80 employees
• Low Carbon Dorset gives SMEs with free technical advice for energy efficiency and renewable energy project ideas – must be located in the Dorset and BCP Council areas
• Low Carbon Devon gives SMEs access to research, business support, free events and fully funded internships – must be located in the Devon area
• Low Carbon Business Support (West of England Combined Authority) provide SMEs and SME charities with free expert advice and guidance as well as capital grants to take action to reduce carbon emissions and energy bills. Sign up for a free Carbon Survey and apply for a Green Business Grant of up to £15,000. Must be located in Bath & North-East Somerset, Bristol and South Gloucestershire
• Prosper Business Support offers businesses in East Devon, Mid Devon and Exeter specialised support with an experienced business advisor and carbon auditing from a profession carbon accountant to measure the impact of your business, and provide tailored advice on how to reduce your carbon footprint.
• Somerset Rural Prosperity Grants – applications for the next round of funding begins on 1 April 2024
• West of England Green Business Grant gives SMEs up to £15,000 to improve energy efficiency and install solar panels – must be located in Bath and North East Somerset, Bristol, North Somerset or South Gloucestershire
• UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) for Bournemouth Christchurch and Poole (BCP) Council – the Economic Development team’s Investment Plan sets aside a budget of £2.5 million to support the local business economy in the following areas: start-up and growth, exporting, research and development and innovation, decarbonisation and improving the natural environment, town and district centres, development and promotion of the visitor economy