A fund to support small businesses with sustainability projects will be launched by an oil company today.
The Shell New Zealand Sustainability Fund will give small to medium-sized businesses (SMEs) money towards projects that reduce the environmental impacts of their activities.
These could include projects to reduce waste, emissions ortheir consumption of natural or non-renewable resources; or to improve energy efficiency or recycling capacity; or to prevent run-off.
Shell's country chairman, Ajit Bansal, said that although larger companies could dedicate resources towards sustainability, the upfront investment required for important projects could be a significant barrier for SMEs.
"The fund will help to kick-start projects that might otherwise struggle to get off the ground."
Two types of project will be supported: funding for an SME's private project or funding for organisations or individuals who want to provide advice, consultancy or educational services to SMEs about practices that will reduce environmental impacts.
"SMEs make up 97 per cent of all businesses in New Zealand. They employ about 40 per cent of workers and produce more than a third of the country's economic output," said Bansal. "That's a huge contribution, and obviously these firms have a key part to play in achieving sustainable development."
Funding recipients will be required to provide full project plans and report half-yearly on the results.
Wellington-based design company Moxie is the first to receive financial assistance. Its proposal is to give other SMEs incentives and tools to tap the market of customers who were willing to pay a premium for products that share their global and environmental values.
The fund has been launched in association with the Business Council for Sustainable Development.
For more information on the fund, phone (09) 525-9727. Applications forms are available from the fund website, www.shell.co.nz/smefund.html (link below).
