SMEs in Huntingdonshire looking to develop low carbon technologies and services are being urged to apply for thousands of pounds of investment.

The Low Carbon Innovation Fund (LCIF), part of the University of East Anglia’s Adapt Low Carbon Group, has launched a new scheme to offer capital investments between £25,000 and £75,000.

More than £20million has been invested by the LCIF since it was started in September 2010, but only to businesses looking for larger investments of more than £75,000 so the fund has launched the Smaller Investments Scheme.

Investment is open to any eligible business in the region that is interested in developing or producing low carbon technologies, products or services or increasing their operational efficiency to reduce carbon emissions.

Dr John French, CEO of the Adapt Low Carbon Group, said: “We’re committed to helping SMEs in Cambridgeshire and have identified a real need for smaller investments in the region.

“Our new Small Investments Scheme is designed to suit start-ups and small companies from all sectors, especially those in the creative industries, who may have limited resources.

“We’re urging all SMEs in Cambridgeshire to check their suitability for the funding. We have funds available right now, and if eligible, small businesses across the region could have money in their accounts early in the new year.”

Potential applicants are being invited to attend a series of free webinars the LCIF is running to help SMEs through the application process. The first is on December 17.

Companies looking to take part must have private co-investment equivalent or higher than the sum requested. To find ways to secure other investment, the LCIF is holding workshops, which will also cover business planning, accounting and how to build in a low carbon management plan.

INFORMATION: To find out more about the fund, the webinars and the Investment Readiness Workshops, or to submit an application, visit www.lowcarbonfund.co.uk.