The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) recently announced it will be offering $1 million through the Small Business Advantage grant program.
The grants are available to small businesses and farms for projects that increase energy efficiency, prevent pollution or protect natural resources. This includes the process that reduces energy use or pollution, or the purchase or adoption of equipment.
Farmers are eligible for the first time who are installing solar pumping systems for their agricultural operations.
“We are excited to expand the program to help lower energy bills through the use of solar energy,” DEP Secretary Patrick McDonnell said. “Encouraging businesses to embrace alternative energy projects helps clean our air, reduces greenhouse gases, and give small business owners a sense of satisfaction on making smart choices.”
To be eligible, a business must be based in Pennsylvania and have 100 or fewer full-time employees, and the projects must save the business a minimum of $500 and 25 percent annually in energy consumption, or pollution related expenses.
Grants will be awarded for 50 percent of project costs up to $7,000. Costs must have been incurred between July 1, 2020, and June 30, 2021.
The application package is available online. Applications will be accepted until April 12 or funds are exhausted.