We are passionate about actively sharing funding opportunities that help UK businesses move closer to net zero. One of the most practical ways to support carbon reduction goals is through localised funding designed to make sustainability improvements more accessible.
We’re pleased to highlight the launch of the Cheltenham Zero Business Fund 2025, which opens for applications on 1st July 2025. This initiative provides targeted grant funding for businesses in Cheltenham looking to lower emissions, improve energy efficiency and reduce fuel use.
Cheltenham Borough Council first launched this scheme following its 2019 climate emergency declaration. The goal is to become a net zero borough by 2030, and that ambition can only be achieved with the support of local residents, organisations and especially businesses.
What is the Cheltenham Zero Business Fund?
The Cheltenham Zero Business Fund 2025 is a funding programme delivered by Cheltenham Borough Council, in partnership with Cheltenham Zero. The aim is to support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with carbon-saving improvements to their premises, operations or transport.
A total of £36,655 in funding has been made available to support a wide range of projects. These could include equipment upgrades, energy-saving installations or any initiative that reduces your business’s carbon footprint.
This round of funding builds on the success of last year’s scheme and provides a real opportunity for local businesses to improve their sustainability profile while also reducing ongoing operating costs.
What can the grant be used for?
The grant can fund projects that contribute to measurable reductions in carbon emissions. Common examples include:
- Installation of energy-efficient systems, such as LED lighting, efficient boilers or smart heating controls
- Upgrades to building insulation or glazing to reduce energy loss
- Adoption of renewable energy technologies, such as solar panels or battery storage
- Replacement of fossil-fuel vehicles with electric alternatives, including charging infrastructure
- Projects that reduce mileage or fuel use through more efficient logistics or vehicle upgrades
As long as the project is underpinned by a Carbon Reduction Audit and delivers quantifiable benefits, it will be eligible for consideration.
Who is eligible to apply?
To apply for the Cheltenham Zero Business Fund, your business must meet the following criteria:
- Be an SME located within the Cheltenham Borough
- Be signed up to the Cheltenham Zero partnership
- Have completed a Carbon Reduction Audit to assess your current emissions and highlight areas for improvement
If you haven’t yet completed an audit, there is a Carbon Reduction Audit Grant available to help cover the cost. This step is mandatory and must be completed before applying for the main fund.
Why apply for the Cheltenham Zero Business Fund?
For businesses looking to reduce costs while improving their environmental performance, this fund offers several key benefits:
- Financial support for sustainable upgrades that might otherwise be out of reach
- A chance to demonstrate leadership on climate action within your sector
- Help in reducing long-term energy and fuel bills
- Alignment with growing expectations from supply chains, investors and customers on sustainability performance
- Contribution to the borough’s wider net zero target, creating a stronger, more resilient local economy
These types of grants are designed to remove barriers and make climate-positive changes more achievable for small and medium-sized enterprises.
How to apply
Applications for the Cheltenham Zero Business Fund open on 1st July 2025 and must be submitted by midnight on 30th September 2025. The application process includes a panel review with input from a technical expert to evaluate the potential carbon savings of your project.
To apply:
- Read the full application guidelines to understand eligibility and criteria
- Sign up to the Cheltenham Zero partnership if you are not already a member
- Complete your Carbon Reduction Audit
- Submit your application via the official website: www.cheltenhamzero.org/business-grant
You can also view the list of successful applicants from last year’s fund on the same site, which may offer inspiration for your own proposal.
For questions or further guidance, email: cheltzero@cheltenham.gov.uk
Tips for a successful application
As a company that supports businesses with renewable energy and energy-efficiency projects, we recommend that applicants:
- Provide a detailed breakdown of the project and how the funding will be used
- Link each activity to a carbon-saving benefit identified in your audit
- Include practical timelines, estimated return on investment and any co-funding arrangements
- Ensure your application reflects both the environmental and commercial benefits of your proposal
Our role in supporting business decarbonisation
As a business, we’re committed to helping UK businesses reduce their reliance on fossil fuels through solar energy, battery storage, and energy optimisation. Sharing opportunities like the Cheltenham Zero Business Fund is part of our broader mission to accelerate the transition to a low-carbon future.
If your business is based in Cheltenham and you’re considering installing solar panels, improving energy systems, or exploring other carbon-saving initiatives, we can provide guidance. From carbon audit preparation to solution design, our team is here to help you get the most from this grant opportunity.
Act now and prepare your application
The Cheltenham Zero Business Fund 2025 is a well-timed chance to invest in your business’s future. With funding available and support from Cheltenham Borough Council, there is every reason to take advantage of this scheme.
We encourage eligible businesses to prepare early, speak with advisers if needed, and submit strong, impact-led applications before the deadline.
