Businesses encouraged to apply for Green Growth and Innovation Fund

Businesses are invited to apply for grants ranging from £500 to £2,000 from the Green Growth and Innovation Fund 2025/26.  

Applicants’ projects must support one of the following: 

• Green Growth - This focus is designed to help businesses reduce their carbon footprints, enhance energy efficiency, adopt sustainable practices, and ultimately lower operating costs. Eligible projects could include the adoption of green transport solutions (like bikes, e-bikes, or e-vehicles), installation of LED lighting, solar panels, insulation, heating pumps, investment in waste reduction technologies, use of sustainable materials, or implementation of water efficiency measures. 

• Innovation - This focus supports the development or significant improvement of products, services, processes, or business models. It can include the creation of new technologies, adoption of advanced digital solutions such as Artificial Intelligence (AI) or the Internet of Things (IoT), software and hardware for innovation, mobile app development for new services, or research and development activities. 

Cllr Jo Asher, Cabinet lead for Culture, Leisure, Economy and Tourism, said: “We are committed to supporting local businesses. This funding offers a brilliant opportunity for them to invest in their future, embrace sustainability and drive forward-thinking projects. We urge interested businesses to get in touch with our team to discuss their ideas and how this fund can support their ambitions." 

To be eligible, businesses must be based in the Harborough district. Start-ups are welcome to apply, and the fund is open to various business structures, including sole traders, partnerships, limited companies, CICs and social enterprises. Charities are not permitted to apply.  

Projects must not commence before the grant has been awarded. 

Those wishing to discuss a potential project or make initial enquiries can view the guidance and application details at: www.harborough.gov.uk/business-grants 

For further details and support contact the Economic Development Team at: business@harborough.gov.uk 

This project is funded by the UK government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, which invests in communities and place, local business, and people and skills. 

For more information, visit: www.gov.uk/government/publications/uk-shared-prosperity-fund-prospectus