SCOTTISH Enterprise has announced that it is to make £4 million available to aid the creation of green jobs in Scotland.
The agency said that the investment will look to support the country’s net zero transition, with the fund aiming to support businesses create jobs that produce or provide services that benefit the environment or conserve natural resources, as well as roles that help drive more environmental friendly processes in Scottish firms.
The investment forms part of a £27 million package of green funding that Scottish Enterprise said will be distributed to businesses operating in Scotland over the next three years. Applications will open on May 18, with grants from £50,000 to a maximum of £500,000 being awarded on a competitive basis.
Scottish Government economy secretary Fiona Hyslop said, “As well as tackling the Covid-19 crisis and supporting our economy in the immediate term, it also crucial we lay the foundations for a green recovery, and our budget set out a record £1.9 billion to tackle climate change and create good, green jobs in 2021/22.
“Throughout the pandemic Scottish Enterprise and our other agencies have played a key role getting lifeline funds to businesses across the country. As we look to emerge from lockdown this vital work continues, and this first call for the new green jobs fund will help us rebuild a fairer, stronger and greener Scotland.”
Linda Hanna, interim chief executive of the Scottish Enterprise, added, “Green economic growth is a long-standing area of focus and competitive advantage for Scotland internationally. It’s the ideal fit for our inaugural call ahead of COP26 coming to Glasgow and signals the first of several investment and business support opportunities Scottish Enterprise will be offering.
“It has been designed to be relevant to a wide range of business who are helping create new quality green jobs that will improve the environment and help drive Scotland’s transition to a net zero economy by 2045.”
