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 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.
It will cover up to 50% of the costs to a maximum amount of €5,000 and 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 to aid small businesses on their sustainability journey was announced last week by Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment Simon Coveney.
He said the 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 said 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.”
