For over 24 years, Heart of the City has empowered SMEs to make a meaningful impact in responsible business practices. Now, with the urgent need to address the climate crisis, our Net Zero Accelerator programme provides SMEs with an opportunity to kick-start their net zero journey – one that doesn’t demand large teams or hefty budgets but delivers impactful results.
Net Zero Accelerator
Heart of the City’s Net Zero Accelerator programme is designed for small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to help them on their journey to reach net zero. Participants will have expert-led guidance, access to free online resources, and 1:1 mentoring to help as they take that first step to measure their carbon footprint baseline and develop a net zero action plan in just 10 weeks.
Tackling climate action together
This programme offers SMEs the tools, guidance, and 1:1 support to measure their baseline carbon footprint and create a clear, actionable net zero action plan, with expert guidance every step of the way.
Since our Climate for SMEs: 4 Steps to Action course launched in 2021, we’ve partnered with over 200 businesses in the Square Mile alone to help them understand Net Zero and identify actions to reduce carbon emissions. As of 2024, 61 of these businesses have measured their carbon footprint, which will result in a collective reduction of 46,000 tonnes of CO2e when they reach net zero!
By joining us, you’re not only contributing to a global cause but becoming part of a community of purpose-driven businesses making valuable changes.
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Why complete the course?
Climate action is essential not only for future generations but for business longevity. With SMEs making up 99% of businesses in the City of London, unified action is now crucial.
Working toward net zero can enhance your business’s competitiveness, attract talent, and build a resilient future as larger businesses increasingly favour small businesses and suppliers who demonstrate commitment to sustainable practices.
Created as part of the City of London Corporation’s Climate Action Strategy, we’re proud to help SMEs take the first steps toward a net zero future. The Corporation’s commitment to achieving net zero across its full value chain and supporting the Square Mile’s net zero goal by 2040 makes this the ideal time to start!
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How does it work?
The Net Zero Accelerator runs from 14 January to 25 March 2025, offering four expert-led, in-person workshops and extensive online resources, all supported by the opportunity for 1:1 mentoring. Each workshop will be held in London – venues tbc. Recordings of each session, along with tools and free resources, will be available to participants on our private learning platform Thinkific for up to 12 weeks, providing guidance every step of the way.
Each workshop will be hosted by Heart of the City’s climate expert Katie Rogers, who is responsible for supporting the delivery of Heart of the City’s ‘Climate for SMEs’ programme. Katie has a Postgraduate Degree in Global Environment Politics and Society and has hosted a variety of events on how to measure carbon footprint, including contributing her expertise for the Office Space ‘Wellness Festival 2024’ in the discussion ‘An SMEs Journey to Net Zero’.
The programme is free for SMEs based in or operating within the City of London, and funded by the City of London Corporation as part of their Climate Action Strategy.
Spaces are limited. Apply by the deadline, 7 January 2025.
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What's covered in each workshop?
1: Introduction to net zero – 14 Jan
Demystifying net zero, why it’s important for you and your business, and how to calculate your very first baseline carbon footprint.
We’ll provide guidance on how to collect the necessary data for your footprint and how to use our calculators which will turn your data into carbon emission figures.
2: Carbon footprint data support – 12 Feb
Knowing what data to collect can be confusing and time consuming. This workshop focuses on helping to refine carbon footprint data accuracy and understanding your emissions in detail.
Our online data collection checklist and resources make it really simple!
3: Net zero action plan development – 25 Feb
Participants will work on creating actionable net zero strategies based on their collected baseline carbon emissions.
You’ll be guided be our climate expert to set achievable goals and prioritise impactful steps, ensuring your business moves toward net zero effectively and sustainably.
4: Next steps on your net zero journey – 18 March
This workshop offers guidance on next steps to ensure your strategies are both effective and certifiable.
You’ll also have the opportunity to speak with our climate expert and ask any questions about your carbon footprint data and action plan before the programme concludes.
What's involved?
Four expert-led workshops covering everything from measuring your first baseline carbon footprint to creating an actionable net zero action plan.
1:1 mentoring and support to help you set realistic goals, calculate emissions, and track progress to ensure alignment with your business objectives.
Exclusive access to a private online learning platform for up to 12 weeks, providing free tools and resources to support and guide you on your net zero journey.
Join a purpose-driven community of SMEs dedicated to sustainability and contributing to a better planet for the future!
Apply for a place
Are you eligible for a fully sponsored place?
Thanks to funding from the City of London Corporation, you could be eligible for a fully sponsored place on this course if any of these apply to your business:
- You’re an SME, social enterprise, charity or livery company based in the City of London
- You’re an SME, social enterprise, charity or livery company with at least 50% of your operations in the City of London
- You’re an SME supplier or tenant of the City of London Corporation
If you’re not eligible for a place but wish to get started on your net zero journey, please take a look at our free Climate Action Toolkit.
If you’d like to hear more about Heart of the City’s bespoke programmes, or learn how to support your SME supply chain, speak to a member of our programme team via our Contact page here.
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