Mid-Scotland and Fife MSP, Murdo Fraser, is calling on businesses in Perth and Kinross, Fife, Stirling and Clackmannanshire to consider applying for a new business grant aimed specifically for social enterprises specialising in energy.
The Centrica-backed business accelerator programme, will provide financial investment and support through the “Ignite Big Energy Idea” scheme.
Thus far, there have been 25 successful applicants, with Dundee based IRT Survey’s benefitting from the programme. The only criteria is that the idea must make a positive difference to society.
Ignite is the UK’s first impact investment fund that focuses on energy, providing firms with the funding and expertise they need to help achieve their potential and make a positive impact on society.
Enterprises must submit their applications to the Big Energy Idea before 31 January. If shortlisted, they will be asked to pitch to a panel of industry and social enterprise experts in February.
Murdo Fraser MSP said:
“Innovative businesses across Perth and Kinross, Fife, Stirling and Clackmannanshire could benefit from a programme which has already distributed more than £8million across the UK and I would encourage those eligible to apply for support.
“Turning ideas into reality is expensive, especially if they are socially beneficial, and it is great to see Centrica use the Ignite scheme to drive innovation in this area.
“We have already seen a business in neighbouring Dundee grab this opportunity and I believe that there are others across Mid-Scotland and Fife that are potentially sitting on the next big idea.
“Improving Scotland’s energy efficiency and drawing more of our heat and transport energy from renewable sources is a big challenge and one that schemes like this can support.”