New business grant fund supports local carbon reduction and enables cost savings

Cheltenham Borough Council have launched the CheltenhamZero Business fund totalling £36,655 – offering grants of up to £5,000 per local business to support their carbon reduction journey and add a boost to local SME’s seeking to reduce their energy and fuel bills.

Grants will be awarded for capital projects delivering energy efficiency improvements and carbon reduction. This project is funded by UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.

Eligibility to apply for a Cheltenham Zero Business grant include being an organisation signed up to the Cheltenham Zero membership, have a registered premise within Cheltenham and with a carbon reduction audit.

Criteria to apply for these grants will include a carbon reduction plan, that will inform which energy efficiency projects are best suited for an organisation, based on technical advice and expertise, funding for Carbon reduction audits can be found here.

Councillor Richard Pinegar, 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.

“We’re calling on all eligible businesses to take this opportunity. Together, we can make Cheltenham a cleaner, greener place to live and work.”

Isobel Filipova, Cheltenham Zero business initiative manager from Cheltenham Borough Council said: “The Cheltenham Zero Business grant is reducing barriers for SME’s in the Cheltenham Borough to access technology to help them reduce their energy bills and in turn, their overheads.

“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. You can see what they have achieved on the resources page of the Cheltenham Zero website.

“With over 180 businesses signed up to the Cheltenham Zero initiative across a wide range of sectors, there is support for all business types and a community of like minded people who want everyone to succeed.”

The closing date for applications to the Business grants is midnight on the 30th September 2025. For more details, the full application criteria, and how to apply visit the Cheltenham Zero website.

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For media enquiries to Cheltenham Borough Council, contact: email [email protected] telephone 01242 264231.

For enquiries to CheltenhamZero, contact: Isobel Filipova, [email protected] (Monday, Tuesdays & Thursdays)

To find out more visit: https://cheltenhamzero.org/grant-carbon-reduction-audit or follow CheltenhamZero on social: Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn.

Notes for editors

This project is funded by the UK government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund 

The UK Shared Prosperity Fund aims to improve pride in place and increase life chances across the UK investing in communities and place, supporting local business, and people and skills. For more information, visit https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/uk-shared-prosperity-fund-prospectus

About Cheltenham Borough Council

Working with residents, communities and businesses to help make Cheltenham net zero by 2030 is one of five key priorities for the council. Our Climate Emergency Action Plan: Pathway to Net Zero sets out our aim to achieve the 2030 target by working with residents, communities, businesses and public and voluntary organisations.

About CheltenhamZero

CheltenhamZero is a Cheltenham Borough Council lead initiative, currently supporting around 180 local organisations, from a wide range of sectors, with their net zero journey. It’s free to join and membership is open to businesses, public services, charities, schools and community organisations operating within Cheltenham.