HARRISBURG, Pa., July 21 PA-DEP-business-grant
HARRISBURG, Pa., July 21 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Small businesses looking for help in implementing energy-efficiency and pollution-prevention projects as a way to cut costs can now apply for assistance through the 2008 Small Business Advantage Grant Program.
Beginning today, applications can be downloaded at www.depweb.state.pa.us, keyword: SBAdvantage.
Department of Environmental Protection Small Business Ombudsman Julien Gaudion said the $1 million program will help businesses implement measures that save at least 15 percent annually in energy or pollution-related costs.
"With energy costs rising, finding ways to become more energy efficient is a necessity and matter of financial survival," said Gaudion. "Those companies that can reduce costs by cutting energy consumption or preventing waste will have a leg up on their competitors. Small Business Advantage Grants can help businesses boost their bottom line and protect the environment at the same time."
The Small Business Advantage Grant Program provides a 50 percent matching grant of up to $7,500 to help defray the costs of purchasing new equipment or implementing new processes that reduce energy consumption and prevent pollution, while helping to improve the bottom line.
Earlier this month, Governor Edward G. Rendell signed a $650 million fund into law that will save money for small businesses and families by supporting investments in energy conservation and efficiency. Small businesses and residential consumers will be eligible for $92.5 million in loans, grants, reimbursements and rebates to support energy conservation and weatherization projects that can ultimately reduce energy bills.
Programs and guidelines to implement the new energy programs are now in development.
Small Business Advantage grants are awarded on a first-come, first-serve basis once the applications have been reviewed for their eligibility requirements. All interested parties are encouraged to submit complete applications as early as possible since the allocated funds are generally depleted before the Aug. 29 deadline.
To be eligible, an applicant must be a for-profit corporation, LLC, partnership, sole proprietorship or other legal entity with no more than 100 full-time employees. The entity must be a separate legal business at the time the application is submitted and located within the commonwealth.
Applicants may be manufacturers, retailers, service providers, mining operators or agricultural businesses. The grant-supported project must be located within a Pennsylvania facility belonging to the applicant and must save the business at least 15 percent in energy or pollution-related expenses annually.
The Small Business Advantage Grant Program has invested $3.67 million in 670 businesses across the state since Governor Rendell launched the program in 2004.
CONTACT: Neil Weaver
(717) 787-1323
SOURCE Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection
