Green Entrepreneurs Programme

The University of Derby is partnering with Derbyshire County Council to deliver a £2 million grant fund for businesses interested in developing and investing in green energy and carbon reduction schemes and individuals looking to retrain in the field of alternative energy. The programme is both a capital and revenue fund open to organisations and individuals based in Derbyshire. 

Recent national and international legislation has committed the UK to achieving ‘net zero’ carbon by 2050, with a 100% reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, compared to 1990 levels. In late 2019 Derbyshire County Council approved a Climate and Carbon Reduction Manifesto, supported by a £4m budget which identified a number of key pledges as part of this agenda.

As businesses start to look to rebuild following the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, these recovery plans can include activities which are green, low carbon and more sustainable and resilient. The Green Entrepreneurs Programme is the County Council’s response to national and local low carbon and alternative energy priorities, endeavouring to ensure the county is at the cutting edge of development and technology facilitating national demonstrator initiatives.

The scheme has been developed in collaboration with the University of Derby and will support businesses and other organisations to realise green growth through the programme’s three strands.

We are currently experiencing a high demand for funding from the Green Entrepreneurs Programme and it may take longer to receive a funding decision.  The availability of funds for all strands is now limited.

What our partners think

“We’re championing business innovation and want Derbyshire to become a leader in the field in the development of green energy as part of our bold ambition to cut the council’s carbon emissions to net zero by 2032 and that of the Derbyshire economy by 2050”. Councillor Barry Lewis, Leader of Derbyshire County Council

“We look forward now to working with the county council to deliver the scheme to our entrepreneur community, and to make Derbyshire synonymous with sustainable business”. Professor Kathryn Mitchell, Vice-Chancellor, University of Derby

Key FAQs

Individuals, SME’s, partnerships, charities, formally constituted social enterprises and community partnerships based in the Derbyshire boundaries (excluding the Derby City Council boundaries) that meet the criteria of any of the three strands. 

Please register your interest in your selected fund using our form

Plant and machinery, equipment, product development, refurbishments, fit-out or adaptation of land or buildings, rent and office costs, new staff or consultants (for up to three months) to deliver the project, IP, Patents, legal fees and marketing directly linked to the proposed investment.  

Please refer to the three individual strands for further information on how much funding you can apply for.

Small & Demonstrator Grants

Once an in-principle funding offer is made by the Programme Board, applicants are required to undertake a due diligence exercise to provide more detailed information (e.g. latest financial and project forecasts, evidence of private sector match funding, evidence of subsidy control compliance), prior to entering into formal funding contracts with Derbyshire County Council.

Following the signing of formal contracts, grant funding is drawn down upon evidence of defrayal of the eligible project expenditure items and completion of the necessary claim documents.

Scholarship Fund

Grant funding will be paid retrospectively by Derbyshire County Council once evidence of course attendance and completion has been provided.

Useful Resources

Check if your location is eligible for the Green Entrepreneurs Programme funding

Check your location eligibility

Open to all businesses and sectors interested in learning more about embracing the shift towards a low carbon economy.

Join the Low Carbon Business Network

Technology Readiness Levels (TRL) are a type of measurement system used to assess the maturity level of a particular technology.

Find out more about Technology Readiness Levels

The Business Climate Hub is designed to help businesses deliver on their climate goals.

Find out more about the UK Business Climate Hub

Register your interest

* Indicates a required field