“Many small businesses want to “Go Green” and embrace the principles of sustainability, but just don’t know where to start” says, Louth County Council’s Head of Enterprise, Thomas McEvoy.
Well, the good news is that going Green starts at your Local Enterprise Office and they’ve launched a new support programme called Green for Micro.
At the launch of Green for Micro last week, as part of Local Enterprise Week, An Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment Leo Varadkar set out how it will work:
“Qualifying businesses will access two days of intensive mentoring including a sustainability audit and action plan, designed to help “green” your business. The programme is free of charge and is a great first step for any small business” he said.
At the launch, the audience heard from Pascal Gillard of Jinny’s Bakery in Co. Leitrim who took part in the pilot Green for Micro programme and are the first in the country to have accessed this support.
They now have a five-year plan for greening their business. But the practical steps that they’ve taken in the first year have already reduced their energy consumption, waste production and have saved them over €9,000 in costs. Read more about their story on www.localenterprise.ie/green
Thomas continues “We’re taking away all the theory and bringing supports directly to businesses. The programme will provide one-to-one mentoring. Mentors will work with the business owner to examine their own circumstances, working to develop a customised action plan for each business.“
For many businesses, the first steps will be actions that can be done quickly, easily and at little or no cost. For example changes in energy and water use or waste production. These can be quick, easy to implement steps.
But the action plan will also help businesses to identify longer term projects to further reduce their carbon footprint, environmental impact and costs.
For qualifying businesses up to 10 employees, LEO Louth can also provide grant aid of 50% up to a maximum of €2,500, to help support them make the necessary changes.
Thomas concluded “Green for Micro is a free programme for micro enterprises. We also have Green supports available for companies with 10-50 employees. To download the brochure, watch a video case study and apply, visit www.localenteprise.ie/green.”
