The 2009 Shell Springboard Awards have been launched offering funding for green projects.

The 2009 Shell Springboard Awards have been launched, encouraging small businesses to compete for green funding in the fight against climate change.

In its fifth year, the Shell Springboard programme invites small and medium enterprises (SMEs) with big ideas to tackle climate change to compete for awards of up to £40,000 each.

This year’s awards launch against the backdrop of the Government’s Low Carbon Transition Plan announcement, committing the UK to a 34% cut in CO2 emissions by 2020. Shell Springboard is urging green SMEs to capitalise on this commercial opportunity to tackle climate change and apply for a financial boost from the scheme.

James Smith, Chairman of Shell UK, said: “Re-engineering the energy system opens new horizons for UK industry. If you have a great business idea for tackling climate change, apply to Shell Springboard.”

Applications must involve ideas which will lead to greenhouse gas reductions, are commercially viable and innovative. £320,000 is on offer in awards of £20,000 or £40,000. Last year awards were made to nine businesses from across the UK.

Since its launch in 2005, Shell Springboard has judged over 750 entries and awarded over £1.3 million to 35 businesses across the UK.

The deadline for 2009 entries is 6 November 2009. Full details and an online application form can be found at www.shellspringboard.org