Devon County Council’s Economy Enterprise and Skills service is launching an Expression of Interest round for a new fund looking to support clean growth projects that boost Devon’s economy and drive green innovation.
What is Green Innovation?
Reaching Net Zero in Devon requires innovation, to develop new products, services, and concepts which expand and build upon existing ideas for reducing our environmental impact. From Agri-tech, renewable energy, and electric vehicle technology to eco-tourism and hospitality opportunities, there are a range of industries that can transition into the low carbon sector through innovation.
The Green Innovation Fund will assist in this process; investing in viable and replicable ideas for clean growth that establish Devon as a leader in environmental technologies. Projects will need to produce measurable outputs of both environmental and economic benefit to Devon. Economic outputs include job creation, training programmes, and additional business support or incorporation whilst on the environmental side, this could be tonnes of carbon saved or sequestered.
What funding is available?
Between circa £25,000 – £200,000 can be requested from the Green Innovation Fund, and projects with match funding or levering additional funds will be looked upon favourably, although this is not a requirement. All funds must be spent before March 2023, and both capital and revenue funding are available.
Who is eligible for the Green Innovation Fund?
Funding is only available for projects in Devon (excluding Plymouth and Torbay), and all applications must align with the required outcomes and timeline of the Green Innovation Fund. We will accept applications from limited companies, public sector organisations, registered charities, social enterprises, and sole traders with a registered business. Full criteria can be found in the guidance notes below.
How do I apply?
Please note that at this stage, the Green Innovation Fund is only accepting Expressions of Interest, and successful applicants will be invited to fill in a full application after these have been reviewed.
To submit an Expression of Interest, complete the form below, using the Guidance Notes to assist you. Once complete, email the form back as a Microsoft Word document to economygrants@devon.gov.uk by 9am on Monday 8th November 2021. Please contact us if you are unsure of your eligibility for the fund, or if you have any queries. Download the Expression of Interest form and Guidance documents