Small businesses in Westmeath 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 being announced last week by Deputy Simon Coveney, Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment.
The new support, available through Local Enterprise Office Westmeath, 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 and 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.
“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," Minister Coveney said.
Christine Charlton, Head of Enterprise in Westmeath County Council stated that 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," Ms Charlton said.
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. www.localenterprise.ie/energy for more information on the new grant.
Established in 2014, the Local Enterprise Offices are the essential resource for any entrepreneur looking to start a business or any small business that is looking for support or advice to help them grow. Since their inception eight years ago, the Local Enterprise Offices have helped create over 25,000 jobs across the Country. The LEOs work with thousands of client companies across Ireland in a diverse range of sectors offering mentoring, training, expert advice, and financial supports to small businesses. For more information see www.localenterprise.ie
