DEP: Advantage Grant Program Opens to Small Businesses Looking to Increase Profitability by Reducing Energy Costs and Pollution

Grants up to $7,500 Available to Increase Energy Efficiency

HARRISBURG, Pa., Oct. 4 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Small-business owners in Pennsylvania seeking to improve energy efficiency to save money and prevent pollution can apply for a Small Business Advantage Grant through the Department of Environmental Protection.

Businesses can apply for 50-percent matching grants of up to $7,500 to adopt or acquire energy efficient or pollution-prevention equipment or processes.

"Well-designed energy efficiency projects can help small businesses to cut costs, increase productivity and profitability, and reduce potential regulatory problems while protecting the environment," said DEP Secretary John Hanger.

Applicants must be a for-profit corporation, LLC, partnership, sole proprietorship or other legal entity with 100 or fewer full-time employees. The grant-supported project must be located within a Pennsylvania facility owned by the applicant and save the business at least 10 percent annually in energy or pollution-related expenses.  

Applicants may be manufacturers, retailers, service providers, mining operators or agricultural businesses. Examples of 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 Small Business Advantage program has the potential to fund a wide variety of projects," said Hanger. "An owner can choose the type of project that makes the most sense and generates the most benefits for their business."

Nov. 5 is the application deadline. Faxes and electronic submissions will not be accepted. Eligible applications will be approved on a first-come, first-served basis until funds are exhausted.

Since Governor Edward G. Rendell launched the program in 2004, the Small Business Advantage Grant Program has awarded more than $5.8 million to 1,041 businesses across the state.

The application package, including guidance, instructions and application form, is available at www.depweb.state.pa.us, keyword: Small Business Advantage, or by calling 717-783-8411.

Applications must be mailed or hand-delivered to the Department of Environmental Protection, Office of Energy and Technology Deployment, Rachel Carson State Office Building, 400 Market St., P.O. Box 8772, Harrisburg, PA 17105-8772. ATTN: Small Business Advantage.

For questions or concerns regarding project eligibility, contact the Office of Energy and Technology Deployment, Small Business Ombudsman's Office at 717-783-8411 or at [email protected] before submitting an application.

Media contact: John Repetz, 717-787-1323

SOURCE Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection

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