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Green Innovation Fund – Expressions of Interest to be in by 8 November 2021

The Green Innovation Fund (GIF) is open for Expressions of Interest until next Monday (8 November 2021).

GIF – key details

For those of you not aware of the GIF, here are a few key details and links to other materials including the Expression of Interest.

Funding 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
Eligibility – project location Funding is only available for projects in Devon (excluding Plymouth and Torbay)
Eligibility – entity Limited companies, public sector organisations, registered charities, social enterprises, and sole traders with a registered business.
Project type Both capital and revenue funding are available

·         35% of the fund is capital – this includes items such as equipment, tools, and buildings

·         65% of the fund is revenue – this relates to running costs of the business such as activity or salaries (projects can apply for capital or revenue or both)

Funding to be spent by All funding must be spent by 31/3/23
Ideal applicant “The GIF is looking for applicants with innovative ideas for new products and services that both move us closer to Net Zero and create economic growth, jobs and apprenticeships within the county. The programme aims to stimulate Devon’s economic recovery whilst aligning with the vision of the (Interim) Carbon Plan –  https://www.devonclimateemergency.org.uk/devon-carbon-plan

Projects that can become self-sustaining and are replicable will also be looked upon favourably”

Examples of projects that the fund will look to support Non exhaustive list (found here), includes:

  • Replicable Circular Economy projects with no waste
  • Agri-tech (incl. robotics, regenerative agriculture, aquaculture, hydroponics, vertical growing)
  • Marine and Maritime Innovations
  • Retail – green, eco retail – i.e., apps linking consumers to local producers / green supply and delivery chains / innovative ethical and environmentally sound town and village centre retail / innovative ways of boosting local consumption of locally made products, net zero products
  • Innovative Green Tourism – hospitality apps, digital solutions
  • Smart technologies and Grid innovations; how and when we use electricity and storage of electricity
  • Innovative green energy solutions including hydrogen
  • Community solutions to lowering carbon emissions and localising supply chains
  • Innovative building retrofit technologies
  • Advances in electric vehicle technology, placement of charging points, and developments in electric aviation (that have potential for significant impact beyond the business receiving the grant)
Other eligibility criteria, include:
  • Able to demonstrate that the projects are only viable with the help of additional funding, and that this funding cannot be acquired elsewhere
  • Their idea and business plan are viable, and that their product or service is replicable
  • Measurable economic outcomes; these could be new businesses, jobs, apprenticeships/training courses, or increased turnover
  • The product or service provided has a measurable impact on Devon’s carbon emissions
Process and timeline “After the submission deadline for Expression of Interest Forms has passed, they will be reviewed, and all applicants will be contacted by the end of November. Successful applicants will then be invited to submit a full application, which must be submitted by Tuesday 4th January 2022.”

GIF – More details

More details including a link to Expression of Interest can be found here.

The scheme administrators, Devon County Council’s Economy Enterprise and Skills service, say to contact them if you are unsure of your eligibility for the fund, or if you have any queries.

PKF Francis Clark

In preparation for our webinar, ‘Funding for SMEs in Devon and Somerset’, I have noticed a few schemes similar to GIF, in that they have some/all of the attributes: focused on a specific geographic area; are open for a short window and are seeking innovative and/or low carbon projects. I would suggest anyone looking for funding for projects to make an enquiry to your local Growth Hub and keep an eye of our website.

PKF Francis Clark have significant experience in assisting businesses with grant applications. If you have any questions in this regard, please contact me –  george.chamberlain@pkf-francisclark.co.uk in the first instance.

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