Environment, energy and transport

Environment-related sources of funding: general overview

A comprehensive overview of funding programmes specifically aimed at making small businesses more environmentally-friendly and sustainable.

Eco-innovation initiative

The Eco-innovation funding initiative helps European entrepreneurs to develop and bring to market innovative products, services and processes which have a strong environmental value and can be replicated and multiplied across the EU.

Intelligent Energy Europe

Creative projects to develop solutions promoting clean and sustainable energy or best practices in energy efficiency and renewable energy can apply for funding to implement their ideas.

Intelligent Energy Europe (IEE) is part of the Competitiveness and Innovation Framework Programme (CIP).

LEADER Programme and method

Local actors, including small businesses, can mobilise themselves together to develop a rural area and unleash its innovative potential. They can opt either for a thematic focus or for a strategy based on diversification. The method aims at creating public private partnerships. Toolkit and reference database available on the gateway.

LIFE+ programme

This programme funds projects relating to nature and biodiversity, air, energy, climate, environmental management, industry and production, urban environment and quality of life, agriculture and land use, waste, water, and environment policy and governance.

Marco Polo programme

Marco Polo funds initiatives aiming to produce a shift away from road transport towards rail and waterways. The projects contribute to reduced congestion and pollution and improve transport efficiency.

Competitiveness and Innovation Framework Programme (CIP)

The programme supports entrepreneurship and innovation in SMEs, their uptake of ICT and the sustainable use of energy.

European regional development fund (ERDF)

The ERDF – the largest EU financial instrument for SMEs – supports small firms through co-financing activities in a wide range of areas. The programmes are managed and implemented by the Member States.

Rural Development Fund

Fostering entrepreneurship is among the EU's priorities for rural development. This fund focuses on investment in people, innovation, know-how, ICT skills and diversification of activities.