Green Entrepreneurs Programme

The Green Entrepreneurs Programme (GEP) was created in collaboration with the University of Derby as part of Derbyshire County Council’s Climate and Carbon Reduction Manifesto. GEP was a £2 million grant fund for organisations interested in developing and investing in green energy and carbon reduction schemes and individuals looking to retrain in the field of alternative energy. The programme was a capital and revenue fund open to organisations and individuals based in Derbyshire.

Impact delivered

70+SMEs and organisations supported across Derbyshire

97%Projects state that GEP has been highly effective in reducing carbon emissions

71%Projects incorporating renewable or alternative energy measures

1,610Tonnes of CO2 forecast reduction

81%Projects report increase in energy efficiency

77%Projects incorporating reduction in operational costs

93%Projects state that GEP will improve the uptake of new technologies

91%Agree that without GEP their green project would have been delayed or reduced in size and impact

GEP recognised that organisations would need support to undertake necessary changes to their working practices, including taking risks to develop new products and services that are low carbon and innovative to help the growth of the wider Derbyshire economy.

The programme evaluation confirmed GEP funding to be highly successful in providing support to various organisations in Derbyshire to invest in low-carbon and green technologies, leading to significant reductions in carbon emissions and operational costs. The support has been instrumental in promoting clean energy generation, enhancing energy efficiency, and accelerating the adoption of alternative energy sources.

What our partners think

Councillor Barry Lewis, Leader of Derbyshire County Council, believes that GEP supported Derbyshire to become a leader in green energy.

“Although the programme has now closed, the needs for the support it provides has not stopped and will likely continue for the foreseeable future. Therefore, it is now important that we look to continue the good work that the Green Entrepreneurs Programme has done, through future support programmes."

Professor Kathryn Mitchell, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Derby, reflects on the University's role in the partnership.

“The University has played a key role in the partnership with Derbyshire County Council through our management and administration of the programme, and I am delighted that some of our 'zero carbon' academics are now engaged in additional projects with supported organisations and we hope that we can continue to impact many more as they progress on their own net zero pathways”

Funding Strands

A jar containing silver coins, a plant is sprouting out of the top of the jar.

Small Grant Fund

£500,000 was available to support applicants who had a project that will lead to local low carbon or alternative energy projects/interventions located in Derbyshire.

Apartment block with plants and trees growing on balconies.

Demonstrator Fund

The Demonstrator Fund had an allocation of £1.2 million, offering support to organisations with a sound investment plan leading to local low-carbon or alternative energy projects/interventions.

Scholarship Fund

The Scholarship Fund, with an allocation of £100k, offered grant awards for training and skills of up to £1,500 per individual, enabling entry into the low carbon and alternative energy fields.

If you are interested in finding out more about the Green Entrepreneurs Programme and would like an electronic copy of the full Impact Assessment Report, please email gep@derby.ac.uk

Interested in funding?

The Small Grants Fund, Demonstrator Fund and Scholarship Fund are currently closed for applications but if you would like to register your interest for any future funding, please complete the form below.

Register your interest

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