A Grantham woman has been nominated as a finalist for the Great British Entrepreneur Awards in the category Sustainable Entrepreneur of the Year.
Eliana Vanekova, 26, who runs an environmental social enterprise in Grantham called ZeroSmart with partner John Munn, helps people across the UK reduce their carbon footprint.
John met Eliana while at University in Leeds. They live together and run ZeroSmart as both business and life partners.
ZeroSmart helps to reduce their carbon footprint to Zero by funding scientific climate solutions such as renewable energy and tree planting.
The company works with organisations such as the UN, WWF, and Eden Reforestation projects to reduce and remove carbon emissions.
They are currently on track to remove 250,000 tonnes of CO2 this year, the equivalent of driving from Earth to Mars 18 times!
After speaking with local business clubs, the couple about to launch an initiative to help local businesses reach their net zero goals by making their workforce climate friendly.
The Great British Entrepreneur Awards was launched in 2012 to celebrate the very best of British entrepreneurship and talent. It is endorsed by the UK government and judges include prominent business people such as Hotel Chocolat founder Angus Thirlwell, Dragons Den star James Caan and Cath Kidston MBE.
Previous winners include the founders of Grenade, Tangle Teezer, The LAD Bible, Clearscore & The Cambridge Satchel Company. There were a record 4,800 entries this year so it has never been more more competitive and is an honour to be named as a finalist.
Eliana, originally from Bulgaria but has lived in the UK for the last nine years and now has British citizenship, said: “We started the business during the pandemic and have experienced incredible growth in such a short time.
“It is very rewarding to be able to help people across the UK to have a genuine positive impact on the environment. I strongly believe that doing good doesn’t need to be difficult and that saving the planet shouldn’t cost the earth.
“We receive stories from people thanking us for making it easy and affordable for them to help the environment. This award is great recognition for our entire ZeroSmart community”.
Her partner John, 26, is a Grantham lad who went to Huntingtower School and the Central/Priory.
The couple met while studying at University.
Founder of the Great British Entrepreneur Awards, Francesca James, said: “We have seen some incredible finalists over the years, and this year is no exception. It really is one of the strongest shortlists we’ve ever had, and the fact that so many exceptional people have applied during such a tough year is a testament to the resolve and entrepreneurial talent that exists across the UK.”
Anne Boden MBE, founder of Starling Bank, headline partner for the Awards, said: “The events of the past year have touched everyone, be it through the health of friends and family, the isolation of restrictions or the wider impact on our livelihoods. However, businesses are made of people, and it’s the incredible fortitude, determination and innovation of people like those shortlisted, that has helped our regions survive, and in some cases thrive.”
You can read more about the climate solutions members have supported to reduce their carbon footprints here: https://www.zerosmart.co.uk/our-projects.
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