A new business support programme has been launched in the West Midlands aimed at creating the next generation of green transport ventures.
High street bank NatWest has teamed up with Warwick Manufacturing Group to run the new 'Clean Transport Accelerator' which will help up to 15 small businesses fast-track their innovations.
Those companies accepted onto the programme will receive support including meetings with clean transport experts and equipment, 1-2-1 mentoring and access to growth funding.
The programme is available for applicants working in a broad range of fields such as supply chains, fuel providers or those more focused on specific transport methods such as light rail, cargo delivery or scooters.
The programme will be delivered jointly by NatWest and Warwick Manufacturing Group, which is a department of University of Warwick, with the bank providing an enterprise acceleration manager and access to its growth events and workspace in Birmingham city centre.
The university will provide access to clean energy, manufacturing, automotive and connected experts as well as the tools to test any equipment designed by the businesses and access to co-working spaces on its campus in Coventry.
David Greenwood, chief executive of the High Value Manufacturing Catapult at University of Warwick, said: "The drive to net zero has opened up new and exciting opportunities for innovation in the transport sector.
"Together with NatWest, we'd like to ensure the UK delivers economic benefits as well as environmental benefits as we meet this critical objective.
"This programme is aimed to support small and innovative companies as they build and scale up their products, services and business models."
Richard Hill, head of automotive and manufacturing at NatWest, added: "NatWest has set out a clear ambition to play a leading role in helping to address the climate challenge and so we are thrilled to be working with the University of Warwick to offer clean transport businesses a fast-track to delivering on the UK's green goals.
"I look forward to seeing the innovative and exciting businesses that we support."
The deadline for applications is April 11.
