If you feel you have a truly great sustainable business, then you have a chance to prove it as the 2008 Queen’s Award for Enterprise is now open for applications. The Sustainable Development category covers the following:

i. The invention, design, production (of goods), performance (of services, including advice), marketing, distribution, after sale support of goods or services.

ii. The management of resources (including natural, manufactured and human resources) and relationships (with people and organisations).

At the other end of the scale, if you have an idea that needs developing, the Shell Springboard programme gives out up to 6 awards of between £20,000 and £40,000 in each of 3 UK regions. They are looking for business plans for a product or service which will lead to greenhouse gas reductions, are commercially viable and are innovative. Deadline is 9 Nov 2007.