Businesses with great ideas for reducing waste are being offered a monetary kickstart to get their initiative off the ground.
Applications are now open for the Whakatāne/Ōhope Community Board's $2500 fund to help small to medium-sized local businesses reduce waste in their day-to-day operations.
Community board member Carolyn Hamill said many businesses are already working hard to reduce their waste but there is always room to do better, and a little helping hand can be all that's needed.
"We received many applications for the fund last year and were heartened to see the different ideas businesses had to reduce waste.
"Businesses last year used the fund to purchase re-useable cups, drink bottles and installed recycling stations.
"Their actions saved many takeaway cups from entering landfill and reduced their carbon footprint."
Ms Hamill said the community board was excited to see what ideas businesses had this year.
"It could be re-useable cups, recycling stations, a compost bin or worm farms - or something totally unexpected and outside the box.
"We know reducing waste is a strong focus for many businesses and we’re committed to helping any way we can."
People involved with small to medium-sized businesses can apply for a slice of the funding through a form on the community board's website.
It is expected that several businesses will be granted a slice of the total pool. Applications close 5pm, June 13.