Decarbonise your business with free support for Surrey SMEs

Free support for Surrey small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to decarbonise their business is now available from Surrey County Council.

Companies with fewer than 250 employees can sign up for the support. It’s only available to those based in the boroughs of Woking, Guildford, Waverley, Reigate and Banstead, Spelthorne and Surrey Heath.

Find out how to cut your energy costs, calculate your carbon footprint and get your business to Net Zero. You could even access a loan to go green!

Scroll down to see the free support which your Surrey business could access.

Or you can get in touch with our business experts, who can provide free bespoke advice for your business.

Free business decarbonisation course

A free business decarbonisation course is now up and running for eligible Surrey businesses.

The course will:

  • introduce a bit of business context relating to climate change and carbon literacy,
  • help you understand where your business’ emissions lay,
  • enable you to calculate your business carbon footprint;
  • help you become more sustainable, reduce your energy costs and cut your carbon footprint
  • help you define your business path to Net Zero, set targets and leverage your efforts to make your business more competitive and your products and services more desirable
  • empower you to adapt and build resilience to address climate change

Courses are available in person and online.

The in-person courses are:

  • Thursday 17 October 2024 at Guildford Borough Council
  • Thursday 7 November 2024 at Spelthorne Business Hub
  • Wednesday 13 November 2024 at Surrey Heath Borough Council
  • Wednesday 27 November at Waverley Borough Council
  • Wednesday 22 January 2025 in Reigate and Banstead at Surrey County Council headquarters
  • Thursday 13 February 2025 in Woking

On demand online courses will be made available from late October.

To book your space visit the Surrey County Council website.

Free carbon calculator tool

Ever wondered how much carbon your Surrey business uses?

As part of the decarbonisation course, you can find out! You’ll be given a one year licence to access and use the Climate Essential carbon calculator tool.

This will enable you to calculate your base line carbon footprint. Plus, you can see where you can make adjustments and gains to further reduce it.

Free business decarbonisation assessment

Theย free business decarbonisation assessmentย helps small and medium businesses in six Surrey boroughs to decarbonise and save on energy.

The online meeting is a virtual walk around premises, looking at energy use, transport, and supply chain.

A personalised report identifies opportunities for energy saving and projects which may be eligible for a business decarbonisation loan.

You can then decide if you wish to apply for a business decarbonisation loan to complete any or all of your decarbonisation projects.

There is no obligation to progress any of the potential projects to a loan application.

Business decarbonisation loan

The business decarbonisation loan programme has been created to help business and organisations decarbonise.

It will also allow you to invest to cut your energy bills, improve your premises and be more efficient.

Loans range from ยฃ5,000 to ยฃ15,000. It can can cover up to 50% of the total project cost. You will need to fund the rest.

Projects could include lighting and heating upgrades, installing solar panels, replacing old energy hungry equipment and switching to electric vehicles.

The loan is only available to businesses who have had aย free business decarbonisation assessment.

Boost for UK startups as two key investment schemes are extended

Startup funding schemes, the Enterprise Investment Scheme (EIS) and the Venture Capital Trust (VCT) scheme have been extended by ten years to 5 April 2035.

Government extends two leading investment schemes aimed at startups

Thousands of entrepreneurs and startups are set to benefit from the extension of two leading government investment schemes targeted at helping startup businesses get off the ground and grow.

The Enterprise Investment Scheme (EIS) and the Venture Capital Trust (VCT) scheme were both set to end on 6 April 2025 but will instead run until 5 April 2035.

The schemes are designed to encourage investment into new or young companies through tax-relief incentives, encouraging innovation, creating jobs and stimulating economic growth.

The two startup investment schemes at-a-glance

Both schemes offer incentives to investors of up to 30% upfront income tax relief and an exemption from capital gains tax on any profits made after the sale of shares.

Launched in 1994, the EIS scheme offers investors loss relief as long as shares are held for at least two years.

VCTs, which were then introduced in 1995, are companies listed on the UK stock exchange. They invest in early-stage trading companies on behalf of investors. Dividends received from VCTs are tax-free.

Since the launch of the EIS in 1994 the two schemes have delivered significant impact and success with over ยฃ41 billion raised to date.  

What’s in it for startups?

This ten-year extension will benefit startups and help provide access to startup funding by providing investors with the confidence to continue to invest into high-risk, early-stage businesses. Early stage investment of this type is a vital element in supporting long-term growth and the development of the economy on both a regional and national scale.

Read more: Boost for UK growth as start-up investment schemes extended – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

More help for startups

Business Surrey is a Surrey County Council service providing free and accessible support for all businesses in Surrey, including startups.

Our team of experts can provide independent and impartial advice on accessing startup funding and grants, as well as other sources of support for startups. Contact the team for free via our Business Support Form.

Sign up to our newsletter for regular updates on news, events and support for all Surrey businesses.

Find out more about what we do and how to access one of our many startup-friendly services by completing our Contact Us form.

Event alert: Unlocking funding opportunities for Surrey SMEs

This in-person event aims to empower SMEs in Surrey by providing them with the knowledge and tools needed to access funding opportunities and grow their businesses. By bringing together experts and entrepreneurs, we hope to foster a supportive community that drives economic growth and innovation.

Discover the essential knowledge you need to unlock funding for your business in this half-day event designed by Business Surrey specifically for SMEs in Surrey. We are delighted to be delivering this event in partnership with Mole Valley For Business.

Come along to hear three of Business Surreyโ€™s expert speakers sharing the essential information that can help you find and secure the right type of funding for your business.

This is an in-person event, being held at Denbies Wine Estate, Dorking, on Wednesday 23 October, from 9.00am to 12.30pm.

What to expect on the day

The morning will begin with arrival and refreshments from 9 to 9.30am, followed by presentations and Q&A opportunities. Following the presentations there will be a Marketplace and Networking session.

Topics we will cover on the day include โ€œDemystifying SME funding: An overview of available optionsโ€, โ€œGovernment grants and incentives: how to leverage public fundingโ€, and โ€œPitch perfect: how to present your business to investorsโ€.

Each presentation will be delivered by one of Business Surreyโ€™s respected business advisors, who are all experts in their fields.

The final Marketplace and networking session will offer attendees the additional opportunity to make new contacts and speak directly to a range of funding providers to find out more about the types of funding on offer to SMEs.

Agenda for the event

  • 9.00 to 9.30 – Arrival & refreshments
  • 9.30 to 11.45 – Presentations and Q&As
  • 11.45 to 12.30 –ย Marketplace & Networking
  • 12.30 – event ends

This event is perfect for Small and Medium Enterprise (SME) owners, entrepreneurs, financial advisors, and business consultants in Surrey. It aims to empower SMEs in Surrey by providing them with the knowledge and tools needed to access funding and grow their businesses. By bringing together experts and entrepreneurs, we hope to foster a supportive community that drives economic growth and innovation.

There is no entry fee and no limit on the number of attendees from a single business, but spaces are limited and you must pre-register to attend. Register today to save your place.

Free support for Surrey SMEs

Business Surrey is a Surrey County Council service offering free and accessible support for all businesses in Surrey.

Our experts are on hand to provide tailored advice to help your SME grow and succeed. Get in touch with a member of the team via our business support form.

You can also register to receive our newsletter, packed with the latest news on funding, events and support for all Surrey businesses.

Funding event, Business Surrey | a photo of a group of business people talking and networking at an in-person event.

Growth Guarantee Scheme launched to help smaller businesses

Smaller businesses in Surrey can now get access to finance to invest in and grow their company via the British Business Bankโ€™s Growth Guarantee Scheme (GSS).

The new scheme is the successor to the Recovery Loan Scheme and has been designed to support UK smaller businesses to access the finance they need to invest and grow.

So far, there are 41 accredited lenders providing access to finance under the Scheme, with more expected to be accredited by the British Business Bank over the coming weeks.

The GGS will provide access to a range of different types of finance to suit the needs of smaller businesses, including term loans, overdrafts, asset finance, invoice finance and asset-based lending.

The Key Features of the Scheme

The key features of the GGS are broadly similar to those of its predecessor, The Recovery Loan Scheme, and include:

  • Finance available from ยฃ1,000 up to ยฃ2m per business group, depending on the type of finance product
  • Wide range of products including: term loans, overdrafts, asset finance, invoice finance and asset-based lending facilities
  • Term length:โ€ฏTerm loans and asset finance facilities are available from three months up to six years, with overdrafts, invoice finance and asset-based lending available from three months up to three years
  • Access to multiple schemes:โ€ฏBusinesses that took out a Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme (CBILS), Coronavirus Large Business Interruption Loan Scheme (CLBILS), Bounce Back Loan Scheme (BBLS) or a Recovery Loan Scheme (RLS) facility before 30 June 2024 may still access the Growth Guarantee Scheme
  • Pricing:โ€ฏFees and interest rates charged by lenders will vary but will take into account the benefit to the lender of the Government guarantee
  • Personal Guarantees: Can be taken at the lenderโ€™s discretion, in line with their normal commercial lending practices. (Principal Private Residences cannot be taken as security within the scheme)
  • Guarantee is to the lender:โ€ฏThe scheme provides the lender with a 70% government-backed guarantee. Please note: the borrower always remains 100% liable for the debt
  • Decision-making is at the lenderโ€™s discretion:โ€ฏfinance is provided at the discretion of the lender subject to their usual credit application checks.

How do I apply for the Growth Guarantee Scheme?

More information on the Growth Guarantee Scheme, including the list of accredited lenders, is available on the British Business Bank website.

What other support is available for smaller businesses in Surrey?

We offer a range of advice and support for Surrey businesses. Get in touch today to find out more via our business support form.

You can also search for information and support available near you via our Support Directory.

Woman stands outdoors holding a box of plants. She stands in cobbled street

Electric vehicle grants of up to ยฃ10,000 available for businesses

Businesses ready to make the switch from diesel vans to electric, and who use the A3 regularly, can apply for electric vehicle grants of up to ยฃ10,000 to help fund the purchase.

The A3 Electric Vehicle (EV) grants for electric vans offer ยฃ5,000 towards the cost of a small new electric van and ยฃ10,000 towards a medium or large electric van. 

The A3 EV grant is being introduced to help lower air pollution levels on the A3 road by Guildford.

To be eligible for support, applicants must:

  • own a roadworthy, business-insured diesel van;
  • drive at least 3 single journeys a week or 150 per year on the A3 by Guildford, between Woodbridge Hill A25/A322 junction and A31 to Farnham junction.  

If your business meets these criteria you can apply online on the Surrey County Council website before you purchase or lease your new electric vehicle through an accredited dealer.

You can apply for up to 10 grants per business per year.

This is not a scrappage scheme, so London-based small businesses and residents can apply for the London Clean Air Zone scrappage scheme in addition, and you can also benefit from the plugin grant when purchasing the vehicle regardless of where you are based. 

The A3 EV grant is part of Electric Towns and Cities initiative (ETCI) – Guildford, aimed at reducing nitrogen dioxide (NO2) emissions level on the stretch of road which runs through the town.

This is an ยฃ11 million scheme, which also includes a rapid EV charging network and active travel programme.

ETCI is financed by National Highways and delivered by Surrey County Council in partnership with Guildford Borough Council.  

How do I apply for Electric Vehicle Grants?

To check your eligibility, find an accredited dealer and apply online, visit the Surrey County Council website

If you’re a Surrey business looking for free help and support with Net Zero or green technology, get in touch with our experts via our business support form.

A white electric vehicle is parked outside a car showroom. On either side stand four people - two on each side.

Rural business grants of up to ยฃ50,000 now available

Rural business grants of up to ยฃ50,000 are now available to small businesses (with up to 50 employees), charities and community groups in parts of Surrey.

Companies with up to 50 employees based in Waverley, Guildford and Tandridge are invited to apply. Grants can be used for up to 50% of eligible projects.ย ย 

The funding is provided by the Rural England Prosperity Fund (REPF). It aims to support development, jobs, growth and community enterprise in rural areas.ย 

The rural business grants are between ยฃ2,500 and ยฃ50,000.

It can be used to help towards the costs of a range of items. This includes new tools and equipment, refurbishments, vehicles, digital infrastructure, green tourism, farm diversification and other rural projects.

Applicants will need to demonstrate how their project helps contribute to Net Zero or nature recovery objectives, whilst being good value for money.ย ย 

Information on the types of projects that are eligible is available on the Surrey County Council website. Apply for the funding online here.ย ย 

The Rural England Prosperity Fund is financed by the government.

It is administered and managed by Surrey County Council (SCC) on behalf of the District and Boroughs of Tandridge, Guildford and Waverley.ย ย 

How to apply for rural business grants

Applications for a grant from the Rural England Prosperity Fund can be done online via the Surrey County Council website.

The window for applications are now open. All funding is expected to be allocated by November 2024.

Before applying, businesses are encouraged to visit the government website toย check your geographical eligibility.

Applications will be reviewed and assessed regularly on a first come first served basis by an independent Local Action Group (LAG) panel.

All projects will be scored with funding handed out to successful projects.

What other Net Zero support is available?

Going green is good for business. It can help your business grow, seize new opportunities, create new jobs, encourage investment and adapt against the challenges of a changing planet. Reducing emissions can also save your business money.

We are working with businesses and organisations to nurture innovation to help the transition to a net zero economy. Find out more on our dedicated Green and Net Zero page.

Or, you can get free advice and support for your Surrey business via our business support form.

You can also search for information near you via our Support Directory.