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 www.dep.state.pa.usand 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 epadvantagegrant@pa.gov before submitting an application.