Somerset businesses have the chance to benefit from a new £1.5m to drive economic recovery from the impacts of the Covid pandemic, and benefit the environment at the same time.

Somerset County Council is launching the Growth Accelerator Fund, where successful businesses will be awarded grants to help boost their prospects in ways that also contribute toward the county's effort to become carbon neutral by 2030.

The majority of grants are worth £25,000 to £50,000, but there will be a small number of grants in the region of £100,000 available to businesses in Somerset's economic priority areas.

Grants can be used to help small and medium sized businesses plan for the future and develop sustainability, increase efficiencies, utilise local supply chains, upskill workforces, and decarbonise business practices among other things.

Councillor David Hall, Somerset County Council Cabinet Member for Economic Development, Planning, and Community Infrastructure, said: "The Growth Accelerator Fund is all about sustainability - both in an economic sense and an environmental sense.

"For Somerset to reach its target of becoming carbon neutral by 2030, everyone in the county will be asked to contribute and play their part – and that includes businesses too.

"We know Somerset's economy, like the rest of the country, is still recovering from the impacts of the coronavirus pandemic. This fund offers businesses the opportunity to boosts their prospects and enhance their business practices going forwards."

Full information on how to apply can be found HERE: Somerset Growth Accelerator Fund Grant Scheme. Eligible businesses have until Monday, April 11th to submit an Expression of Interest.

For more information about Somerset's Climate Emergency work, visit: Climate Emergency (somerset.gov.uk).