Bradford £20,000 Go-Greener Fund has businesses blossoming with eco-friendly ideas

Businesses in sectors including bars and cafes, gifts, arts and crafts, clothing, live entertainment, hospitality, health and beauty, fresh produce and property are among those hoping to secure a share of £20,000 from the Bradford Go-Greener Fund.

The fund was launched a fortnight ago by First West Yorkshire with support from Green Street, an organisation helping small retailers to become more sustainable which is pioneering is first project in Bradford, and the West Yorkshire Combined Authority.

Small businesses have until 14 June 2022 to apply to the fund on a dedicated page of the First West Yorkshire website Firstbus.co.uk/bradfordgogreenerfund with the successful firms being awarded money in July.

It’s designed to support plans by independent owners and small firms to build on environmental practices and products that directly appeal to customers, helping them to consider sustainable choices in what they buy and the services they use.

Ideas submitted include investing in specialist machinery for crafts, kitchen equipment, improving customer experience attractions, eco-printing equipment, educating children in biodiversity and eliminating single-use and micro-plastics from supplies.

First West Yorkshire Managing Director, Paul Matthews said: “Already, we’re seeing evidence of the ingenuity among owners to build and develop businesses with sustainability at the core of what they do and the products they make and sell.

“We want to help small businesses in retail, leisure, hospitality, health & beauty and other consumer services encourage eco-friendly high street spending. All owners need to do is complete a simple entry form to be in with a chance of securing thousands of pounds to give their plans a boost.”

The Bradford Go-Greener Fund will make awards of £2,000 to 10 successful applicants. Videos showcasing these businesses will then go to a people’s vote with the winner receiving a fully-funded sustainability review of their business with advice from experts, paid for by the Combined Authority.

Green Street Founder Victoria Robertshaw and Vincent McCabe, Programme Lead (Clean Growth & Innovation) at the Combined Authority will help in assessing and deciding successful entries in a panel together with Paul Matthews.

Victoria Robertshaw said: “Even small changes can have a positive impact on the environment and, thanks to First West Yorkshire, this fund will allow smaller businesses to explore some exciting possibilities to become more planet friendly.”   

Photo captions:

Paul Matthews and Victoria Robertshaw help launch the Bradford Go-Greener Fund in the centre of Bradford.