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New Forest District Council (NFDC) is investing £40,000 to continue its successful EcoBoost grant scheme, helping local businesses to reduce their carbon emissions, become more sustainable, reduce costs, and develop innovative environmental projects. |
| Delivered in partnership with IncuHive, the EcoBoost New Forest project offers practical workshops, personalised sustainability advice, and grants of up to £2,000.
Last year’s programme supported 43 businesses, including 16 grant recipients, 26 site visits, and 24 workshop places. Projects included replacing inefficient lighting with LEDs, upgrading outdated refrigeration equipment, and installing smart controls to better manage energy use, helping organisations reduce costs while improving day-to-day operations. Building on this success, the 2026 programme has been expanded to support projects that cut waste, encourage the reuse of materials, and improve biodiversity, such as planting trees and wildflowers to reduce environmental impact. Cllr Derek Tipp, Portfolio Holder for Planning and Economy, said: ‘The pilot showed what can be achieved when businesses are given the right support. We saw local organisations embrace new technology, improve efficiency, and explore more sustainable ways of operating. By broadening the scope of EcoBoost, we’re creating more opportunities for businesses to innovate, strengthen their resilience, and play a part in tackling environmental challenges.’ Cllr Geoffrey Blunden, Portfolio Holder for Environment and Sustainability, said: ‘We’re delighted to continue the EcoBoost grant scheme following such a successful pilot. Local businesses showed a real appetite for taking practical action to reduce their environmental impact, and this expanded programme will help even more organisations turn good ideas into reality and make positive changes that benefit both their organisation and the wider New Forest community.’ George Scott-Welsh, IncuHive’s Chief Executive Officer added: ‘The response to the pilot demonstrated that businesses want to take action but often need practical advice and financial support to get started. The expanded EcoBoost programme recognises that sustainability is about much more than energy use alone. We’re excited to help businesses explore a wider range of projects, from reducing waste and reusing resources to enhancing nature and finding new ways to cut emissions, while delivering real benefits for their bottom line.’ EcoBoost applications are now open and close on Friday 18 December 2026. For more information visit https://incuhive.co.uk/acceleration-investment/new–forest-ecoboost-business-grant |
