York Go-Greener Fund shares £20,000 to help 10 small businesses with eco-sales ideas

Ten small businesses in York have today (Wednesday 15 June) been awarded £2,000 from the York £20,000 G0-Greener Fund to give their sustainable business plans a boost!

The fund was set up by First York with support from the FSB (Federation of Small Businesses) in York & North Yorkshire and the York & North Yorkshire Growth Hub. It is 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, who reviewed 29 applications.

All entrants will be offered advice on sustainability from the York & North Yorkshire Growth Hub.

A wide variety of business activities are represented by the winners including fashion retail, food and drink, artisan products, cafes, book selling and podiatry. The full list is available on the First York website firstbus.co.uk/yorkgogreenerfund.

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."

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 achievements and businesses which is being made by the York & North Yorkshire Growth Hub and includes some of the world’s leading voices on climate change.