York Go-Greener Fund: Winners share £20,000 to boost eco business ideas

Ten small businesses in York have today (Wednesday 15 June) been awarded £2,000 from the York £20,000 Go-Greener Fund to give their sustainable business plans a boost!

The Go-Greener Fund was set up by First York with support from us and the FSB (Federation of Small Businesses) in York & North Yorkshire. It aim was to help small businesses in retail, leisure, hospitality, health & beauty and other consumer services encourage eco-friendly high street spending and boost customer-led sustainable growth.

Small businesses had to make the case for how they would use the money through an online application which closed on Sunday 5 June.

The 10 successful firms were decided by a judging panel of Ian Humphreys, Managing Director of First York, the FSB’s Development Manager Carolyn Frank and Sue Jefferson, Chair of the Business Board at York & North Yorkshire Local Enterprise Partnership.

We would like to offer our congratulations to the following businesses who will receive a share of the fund and we look forward to seeing the successful ideas come to life over the coming months:

Ian Humphreys said: “The fund has uncovered many imaginative ideas and a real purpose among small businesses in York to develop their sustainability. All these plans will encourage customers to consider environmental choices when shopping and enjoying leisure time in the city and its communities.”

He added: “We intend to provide the funding in the next month so business can get started as soon as possible and continue efforts to reduce the environmental footprint of York.”

Carolyn Frank said: “I hope that customers and other small businesses will be inspired by the winners’ projects to take their own steps to greater sustainability. With the costs of doing businesses rising, cash for investment in sustainability is often scarce, but this shows that by seeking support and thinking creatively, cost savings and increased sales can be achieved from sustainability. The long term effects of small changes can transform businesses.

“The funding from First York has enabled these ten businesses to make a difference and to shine a spotlight on sustainability support from FSB and the Growth Hub, as well as our region’s net zero ambitions.” 

Sue Jefferson added: “It was a delight to see so many businesses on the sustainability journey, bringing forward multiple benefits with an exciting pipeline of ideas.

“The business community in York and surrounding area is clearly leading the way to meet consumer demand and be an inspiring showcase for others.”

As well as receiving business support from our team at the Growth Hub, videos of the 10 businesses will go to a people’s vote in early July with the winner getting the chance to be featured in a film about the region’s sustainable businesses which we are making and includes some of the world’s leading voices on climate change.

If you would like to know more about making your business more sustainable, read our ‘6 benefits to business’ guides or contact Faye on the helpdesk who will be able to talk through your needs and the support available.