WHAT IS GREEN FOR MICRO
The objective of the Green for Micro programme - a new initiative from the Local Enterprise Offices - is to help prepare small businesses for the low carbon, more resource efficient economy of the future. This is a FREE programme, available to companies with up to ten employees.
Click here to download the Green for Micro brochure
How can your business benefit?
Developing a ‘greener’ policy can offer many benefits to your business, including:
- Increased cost savings
- Improved resource efficiency (for example: using less energy, water and materials)
- Reduced environmental footprint and greenhouse gas emissions
- Opportunities for higher and additional value on products and services
- Increased access to customers, improved corporate image
- Increased resilience to climate change impacts
Why ‘green’?
Recent survey results show that 33% of respondents plan to switch to businesses which are doing more about sustainability, while 49% also said they intend to become better informed about the impact their purchasing has on the planet.
It makes good business sense. With climate change, changing regulations, rising resource costs and changing customer expectations adopting a more eco-friendly approach is the best way forward for business.
How can Green for Micro help?
Avail of advice and technical support covering topics such as resource efficiency, understanding your carbon footprint and implementing an environmental management system. Find out what steps to take to reduce costs and lower your greenhouse gas emissions.
There are two main stages to the Green for Micro programme:
STAGE 1:
Watch the Lunch & Learn Green Webinar – learn everything you need to know about Green for Micro supports, including a first-hand account of a business which has already implemented the green initiatives and is enjoying the benefits. This webinar took place live on Friday, March 12th 2021 and you can watch back on demand at Green for Micro - Lunch & Learn - YouTube
STAGE 2:
Apply for two days of mentoring with a specialist Green Consultant – this will include recommendations on specific changes which your business can implement. Your Green Consultant will be chosen from the Enterprise Ireland Green Directory or from your Local Enterprise Office mentor panel. Your specific needs will be matched to the Green Consultant’s area of expertise. Your Consultant will prepare a detailed Green for Micro Report on your business.
Suitability:
The Green for Micro programme is suitable for all micro-enterprises with up to ten employees, but it is particularly suited to businesses in construction and the built environment, retail, manufacturing, textiles and fashion, food, electronics, plastics, and packaging.
Eligibility
- The programme is open to all micro-enterprises with up to ten employees except those involved in activities that the Local Enterprise Offices consider as ineligible for example primary agricultural businesses - farms or as involving an unacceptable reputational risk: gambling including ‘gaming’ (as defined in the Gaming and Lotteries Act 1956), adult entertainment, tobacco products and cannabis-based products which are not authorised as medicines)
- The enterprise must be established, registered and operate within the geographic location of the Local Enterprise Office
- The enterprise must operate in the commercial sphere
- Turnover is in excess of 30,000€ annually in either 2020 or 2021
- The business is trading in excess of 6 months.
- Companies forming part of a holding group, franchise, linked companies etc. are only permitted to make one application. Multiple applications will not be considered.
Interested?
Click here to complete your application form
Getting started couldn’t be easier – just fill out the online application form available here
Your application will be reviewed by your Local Enterprise Office and they will be in touch to discuss the selection process.
