Call our customer centre on 01865 885858. [approximately 100% of applicants]
This general discussion will give you an early indication of whether you are eligible to apply, and to provide you with answers to any general questions you may have. If you are suitable to progress to the next stage your details will be passed on to one of the Fast Track Partners.
Have an initial telephone discussion with a Fast Track Partner. [approximately 80% of applicants]
This technical/commercial discussion will give you an early indication of whether your application to the Entrepreneurs Fast Track is likely to succeed. Our aim here is to save you time if your application is unlikely to meet our requirements.
Fill out an application form. [approximately 60% of applicants]
The Carbon Trust will send this to you directly with your unique reference number. The form is 3-4 pages long and covers questions of a technical and commercial nature, including how your technology can significantly reduce carbon emissions.
Attend an interview with the Carbon Trust. [approximately 50% of applicants]
This interview will take 45 minutes and can be in person or by telephone. Two people (one technical reviewer and one commercial reviewer) will ask you questions based on the information you provide in the application form.
Diagnostic and workshop. [approximately 15% of applicants]
You will benefit from a 360 degree assessment of your venture, leading to a workshop with the Carbon Trust and our advisers. Note the diagnostic is not designed to pass/fail applicants; it aims to identify gaps and propose areas where Carbon Trust support should be focused.
Get on the Fast Track. [approximately 10% of applicants]
When you reach this stage you will be eligible for up to £70K worth of expert consultancy and between £10K and £500K of technology development grants. (A separate form must be filled out for larger grants due to an EU requirement).
Improve your chances of qualifying
We judge every application on its merits, but there is some basic advice that we can offer on a number of issues:
Funding requested
We give preference to applicants who ask for the minimum amount of funding they need to make their project viable, and to demonstrate where other sources of funding are coming from
Collaborative projects
We encourage technology providers and exploiters (end-users) to work together if this is likely to lead to more effective commercialisation of the technology or service
Step-change
We want to help UK entrepreneurs to make a significant step-change in their businesses, not just incremental improvements.
Additionality
You should demonstrate why support from Carbon Trust is necessary, and why you do not have the expertise or funds to provide the requested work programme yourself.