DEP Offers Grants to Small Businesses to Reduce Energy Costs, Curb Pollution

July 27, 2012 1:24pm

DEP Offers Grants to Small Businesses to Reduce Energy Costs, Curb Pollution

 

Harrisburg - Small-business owners in Pennsylvania working to prevent pollution and save money may now apply for a Small Business Advantage Grant through the Department of Environmental Protection.

 

Businesses can apply for 50-percent matching funds of up to $9,500 to adopt or acquire energy-efficient or pollution-prevention equipment or procedures.

 

"This program helps small businesses secure energy-efficient means to conduct their day-to-day operations," DEP Secretary Mike Krancer said. "Becoming more energy-efficient will not only reduce environmental impacts, but also make Pennsylvania's small businesses more competitive."

 

Applicants must be a for-profit corporation, limited liability corporation, partnership, sole proprietorship or other legal entity with 100 or fewer full-time employees. The grant-supported project must be in a Pennsylvania facility owned by the applicant and must save the business at least 25 percent, plus $750 annually in energy or pollution-related expenses.

 

Applicants may be manufacturers, retailers, service providers, mining operators or agricultural businesses. Eligible projects include HVAC and boiler upgrades, high-efficiency lighting, solvent recovery systems, waste recycling systems and auxiliary power units deployed as anti-idling technology for trucks.

 

The application deadline is Sept. 26. Eligible applications will be approved on a first-come, first-served basis until funds are exhausted.

 

For more information and to view the application package, instructions and application form, visit http://www.dep.state.pa.us and click on the "Small Business Advantage Grant" button, or call 717-772-8909.

 

Applications must be mailed or hand-delivered to the Department of Environmental Protection, Office of the Small Business Ombudsman, Attn: Small Business Advantage, Rachel Carson State Office Building, 400 Market St., P.O. Box 8772, Harrisburg, PA 17105-8772. Faxes or electronic submissions will not be accepted.

 

For more information about project eligibility, contact the Small Business Ombudsman's Office at 717-772-8909 or email before submitting an application.