£1m funding on offer for innovative green start-ups

Eco-entrepreneurs have just over one day left to apply for an accelerator programme backed by former Dragon James Caan.

The Berti Green Accelerator is offering three green entrepreneurs “the full toolkit needed to succeed in growing a successful and meaningful business” – including funding of up to £1m each and business support and expertise from James Caan’s Hamilton Bradshaw Impact Partners (HBIP).

Seth Tabatznik, director of Berti Investments, said that while socially or environmentally conscious entrepreneurs frequently have the vision and passion to make a difference, they often lack the business know-how to make their idea really appealing to investors.

He told Startups: “With global concerns around climate change and social inequality increasingly emerging on the mainstream agenda, great innovative start-ups are appearing all round the world…creating enterprises that aim to make a difference.

“But two significant barriers stop social entrepreneurs in their tracks: funding and support. Here in the UK, while investor confidence in the green industry remains low, businesses need to prove their skills to be a head above the rest in order to attract funding in this increasingly competitive landscape.”

The accelerator offers what Caan refers to as “intelligent capital”. As well as funding, the three winners will receive six months’ worth of business support from HBIP, covering every aspect of running a business, helping them to create the right management processes and structure, forge strong business relationships and build a strong brand.

The judges will be looking for green businesses that can demonstrate both a sustainable approach to carbon reduction, and a scalable and profitable business model.

Applications for the Berti Green Accelerator close at 8pm on Tuesday 17 April 2012. For more information and to apply, visit the Berti Investments website