Small businesses in Alfreton could be eligible for funding to help them reduce their energy costs.

The Green Entrepreneurs Fund programme – delivered in collaboration between Derbyshire County Council and the University of Derby – offers grants of between £6,000 and £20,000 to help businesses reduce their energy use.

The funding can be used towards a range of green improvement work, such as installing solar panels, replacing old heating systems and improving insulation to stop heat escaping.

Derbyshire County Council says: “Applicants will be required to show how their proposals would cut carbon emissions and how they are planning to reduce their emissions to net zero – which means reducing carbon emissions right down to the lowest possible level and off-setting those that cannot be cut through measures such as planting more trees and other forms of habitat creation to absorb excess carbon from the atmosphere, making the overall net emissions zero.

“They will also be asked to highlight how the grant funding will support them to improve their management of resources and staff to increase sustainability and show how they project would or could include wider community benefits such as protecting jobs or encouraging greener behaviour among staff.”

You can find out more about the Green Entrepreneurs Fund programme here.