There are many opportunities available to fund environmental or energy related projects that will improve the bottom line for your business. Let EMAP help you see if any grant, loan, or other incentive programs exist that meet your funding needs. (NOTE: Fund availability varies - if applications are closed, be sure to check back periodically)
Small Business Advantage Program (Reopens in Fall, 2009)
Grant funds for pollution prevention and energy efficiency upgrades. Under the program, 50% matching grants up to a maximum of $7,500 are available. Check the DEP Grants and Loans Resource Center for current information on when the program is accepting applications.
Small Business Energy Efficiency Grant Program
Funding for energy efficiency projects and some alternative energy projects (not solar projects) through DEP's Small Business Energy Efficiency Grant Program. 25% matching grants worth up to $25000 are available through this program.
Housebill 1& Housebill 2200
New legislation that will make funds available for small business energy projects, including energy conservation and some alternative energy projects such as geothermal. Funding will be provided on a first-come, first-served basis and will cover up to 35% of the total project cost. A portion of those funds will be available in the spring specifically for solar energy improvements. Sign up at this link for updates, as the program will continue to unfold throughout 2009.
Tax Deductions for Energy Efficient Commercial Buildings
Established by the Energy Policy Act of 2005, this program allows business owners who upgrade interior lighting; building envelope; or HVAC or hot water systems to deduct from $0.30 to $1.80 per square foot, depending on the amount of energy savings. The credits are available for systems “placed in service” from January 1, 2006 through December 31, 2008.
USDA Grants for Renewable Energy & Energy Efficiency Projects
The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Rural Business-Cooperative Service offers grants and loan guarantees to agriculture producers and small businesses in eligible rural areas to purchase renewable energy systems and make energy efficiency improvements.
Pollution Prevention Assistance Account Loan Program
Low-interest loans to help Pennsylvania small businesses implement pollution prevention and/or energy efficiency projects.
Recycling Markets Infrastructure Development Grant
This grant provides reimbursement for equipment costs associated with increasing the use of recycled content in products by for-profit business entities and non-profit organizations located and operating in Pennsylvania.
Pennsylvania Recycling Markets Center (RMC) Green Share Program for Business and Industry
The RMC is offering both technical and financial project assistance towards enhancing the demand for use of recycled commodities in Pennsylvania. Provided primarily to manufacturers or commercial enterprises, the Green Share Program enables Pennsylvania companies to increase competitive advantage by using recycled materials in processes and products.
Resource Enhancement and Protection Act (REAP) Tax Credit Program
Eligible farmers can receive up to $150,000 in tax credits for single or multiple projects, and they can choose to apply the credits to their own tax bill or sell them to another taxpayer. Businesses that help finance a project on a private farm can also receive the tax credits.
Composting Infrastructure Development Grant Program
Businesses and nonprofit organizations can apply for grants of up to $100,000 to help increase the use of composted materials in finished products and reduce the amount of organic waste disposed in landfills. (Check back for availability of 2009 funds.)
Alternative Fuels Incentive Grants (AFIG)
The AFIG program offers funds to finance the production and use of clean-burning fuels in Pennsylvania. Included are biodiesel production incentives and hybrid car rebates.
Community Wind Project
The Renewable Energy Center at St. Francis University announced another application period for it’s popular Community Wind Project, which offers free wind assessments for prospective development of mid- to large-scale wind power projects.
Pennsylvania Energy Development Authority (PEDA)
Applicants for PEDA financing can seek grant assistance for capital costs for a variety of innovative, advanced energy projects. Eligible PEDA projects may include solar energy; wind; low-impact hydropower; geothermal; biologically derived methane gas, including landfill gas; biomass; fuel cells; coal-mine methane; waste coal; integrated gasification combined cycle; demand management measures, including recycled energy and energy recovery, energy efficiency and load management; and clean, alternative fuels for transportation. PEDA particularly encourages applicants with projects related to distributed generation for critical public infrastructure to apply.
Energy Harvest
Grants fund projects that promote awareness and build markets for cleaner or renewable energy technologies. Energy Harvest grants will fund innovative energy deployment projects that emphasize protecting Pennsylvania’s air or water quality while supporting economic development and enhancing the quality of life in the commonwealth. Eligible proposals include: renewable energy deployment, including biomass energy; waste coal reclamation for energy; deployment of innovative energy efficiency technologies; and distributed generation projects.
Pennsylvania Incentives for Renewables and Efficiency
DSIRE is a comprehensive source of information on state, local, utility, and federal incentives that promote renewable energy and energy efficiency.
PA Sunshine Program (NEW!)
DEP opened this grant in May 2009, and is accepting grant applications on a first-come first-served basis for solar photovoltaic (PV) and hot water systems. The program rebates will be available for the purchase and installation of qualifying solar PV and solar hot water equipment by qualified installers.
Pennsylvania offers several programs to help pay for cleaning, remediation and upgrade of underground storage tanks (USTs). For more information, visit the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection website.
The UST Environmental Cleanup Program reimburses up to $5,000 for corrective action taken by owners of underground heating oil tanks with a capacity of 3,000 gallons or less.
UST Pollution Prevention Program (a.k.a "Pump and Plug") provides grants of up to $2,500 to encourage tank owners to take measures to prevent accidental spills from unused and unsafe tanks.
Underground Storage Tank Upgrade Loan Program
Low-interest loan financing to business owners of regulated underground storage tanks to meet federal Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) upgrade requirements.
The Underground Storage Tank Indemnification Fund (USTIF)
This fund will pay claims from eligible UST owners for the costs of cleanup, remediation, and third party damages as a result of a release. This fund, which started in February 1994, is financed through fees assessed to underground storage tank owners or operators.
State funding programs are primarily intended for municipalities, however, some funding is available for industry.
Small Business Innovation Research Grant
Program provides substantial grants to strengthen the role of small businesses in federally funded R&D and help develop a stronger national base for technical innovation. DOE announces 2009 grants.
Green Building Alliance Innovation Grants
Up to $100,000 for projects that seek to develop and introduce green building products to the marketplace.
Small Business First Fund
Low-interest loans are provided to small businesses by Pennsylvania to come into compliance with environmental regulations or to adopt pollution prevention practices. View a list of the area loan organizations for your county and call them to learn more about this loan program.
The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 is a $787 billion combination of tax cuts, incentives and government spending designed to kick-start the U.S. economy in the short term and drive long-term economic growth. Click here for a summary of the opportunities it offers to small businesses.
Many of our clients have been successful in obtaining funding to help them finance their business improvements. Read about their accomplishments in Success Stories.