Small businesses across Galway city and county are being encouraged to check their eligibility for a new support that could help them reduce their energy output. The Energy Efficiency Grant to aid small businesses on their sustainability journey was announced last week by Simon Coveney, T.D. Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment.
The new support, available through Local Enterprise Office Galway, will enable small businesses to invest in technologies and equipment to make their businesses more energy efficient. The grant will be available to companies who through participation in the Green for Micro, GreenStart or SEAI Energy Audit programmes have identified the technology and equipment need & benefits.
The grant will cover up to 50% of the costs to a maximum amount of €5,000. The scheme will reduce the impact of small businesses on the environment and may help them to reduce costs over time to enable them to become more competitive.
Minister Coveney said the Energy Efficiency Grant is another significant step in helping our small businesses to become more sustainable and to make a significant contribution to reducing their energy output.
“Everyone must make changes as we aim to become a more sustainable country and small businesses are no different. This grant will make it more feasible for small businesses to engage in this process and hopefully set them on a more sustainable path.
“The Local Enterprise Office’s Green for Micro programme has enabled many small companies to take those first steps and now with the Energy Efficiency Grant they can continue that journey.”
Valerie Kelly, Head of Enterprise at LEO Galway says the Local Enterprise Offices are continually looking at ways to help their clients increase productivity and competitiveness.
“The new Energy Efficiency Grant is the natural next step for all those companies that have identified their needs around energy reduction and this will enable them to make those changes in their business. We are seeing a huge shift in the mindset of small businesses in recent years around sustainability. It is not just a word anymore but sits at the heart of business objectives and we must continue to help businesses in reaching those objectives.”
Carol Gibbons, Manager of Regions and Local Enterprise, at Enterprise Ireland said this new financial support will enable small businesses to take the next step on their sustainability journey.
“Increasingly, sustainability is seen as a core driver of future growth for small businesses, aligning them to changing consumer demands and ensuring access to business-to-business supply chains. It is important that business supports match this fundamental change and I am confident that the new Energy Efficiency Grant will assist companies across the country on their sustainability journey.”
The Energy Efficiency Grant is another support from the Local Enterprise Offices for small businesses that enables them to increase their competitiveness and productivity. Small businesses are also able to avail of the Lean for Micro, Digital Start and Green for Micro programmes through their LEO that will all help small businesses to become more competitive and increase their productivity. Visit www.localenterprise.ie/energy for more information on the new grant.
