In June 2007, Greg Anderson contacted the Saint Francis University SBDC to discuss his plans for starting a coffee shop and restaurant in Huntingdon, PA. The businesses would also provide self service laundry in the rear of the building. By that time, Greg had already secured a sales agreement on a building – a former laundromat his dad was purchasing and would then sell back to Greg. He was also working on a sales agreement for the property across the street with the intent of clearing and paving it for additional parking. It was at that point, that Greg realized he needed to make sure his plans for the business were sound which led him the SBDC.
Greg met with Terry Anderson, one of the Center’s Business Analysts, who worked with Greg on developing a business plan and financing proposal.
Having his dad purchase the property would make finding additional financing for Greg’s project difficult. However, recognizing that some of Greg’s project costs included purchasing energy efficient equipment and installing a new HVAC system, the SBDC consultant recommended that Greg contact the SBDC Environmental Management Assistance Program (EMAP).
The SBDC Environmental Management Assistance Program (EMAP) Regional Environmental Consultant, Heather Fennessey, assisted Greg with identifying and applying for two Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) Small Business Pollution Prevention Assistance Account (PPAA) loans. The PPAA Loan Program provides low interest (2%) loans to small businesses undertaking projects that reduce waste, pollution, or energy use.
With the assistance of EMAP, Standing Stone Coffee Company received a $12,600 PPAA loan to install an energy efficient heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system and a $23,708 PPAA loan to install energy efficient laundry washing machines and dryers and an energy efficient water heater.
Savings from these upgrades have helped to keep overhead costs at Standing Stone Coffee Company low. It is estimated that the energy efficiency upgrades would reduce costs by $5,800 by reducing water usage by 368,000 gallons annually, electricity usage by 14,100 kilowatt hours (kWh), and natural gas usage by 1,600 therms.
As a result of Greg’s hard work and determination, Standing Stone Coffee Co. opened in August 2008. The business offers a large variety of blended coffees and teas and homemade soups, salads, and gourmet sandwiches. The Laundromat offers eight energy efficient washers and dryers and customers can enjoy excellent coffee, teas, and food while they wait. Greg also started blending his own brand of specialty coffees. Standing Stone Coffee employs twelve part-time employees.