Eligible businesses must have fewer than 100 employees. The business must show a savings of 25 percent or more per year in energy savings or prevention of pollution. The business projects can include efforts such as high-efficiency HVAC systems, energy-efficient heat pumps, and high-efficiency lighting.
Initial investment in energy efficiency can be costly. The grants are structured to provide small business owners with financial assistance by offering 50 percent matching reimbursement grants of up to $9,500. The program, called the Small Business Advantage Grant program, has awarded 1,720 small businesses throughout Pennsylvania grants totaling $7.25 million since 2004.
Pennsylvania's Small Business Advantage Grant program is funded through the Hazardous Sites Cleanup Act (HSCA). HSCA gives not only the financial means but also the authority to the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to clean up hazardous sites in Pennsylvania. Pennsylvania's DEP is responsible for protecting the state's air, water and environment from pollution.
For more information, visit www.dep.state.pa.us/dep/deputate/airwaste/aq/small_business/small_business.htm
