Small Biz Advantage grant--applications due Nov. 5

DEP: Advantage Grant Program Opens to Small Businesses Looking to Increase Profitability by Reducing Energy Costs and Pollution --Grants up to $7,500 Available to Increase Energy Efficiency

HARRISBURG -- Small-business owners in Pennsylvania seeking to improve energy efficiency to save money and prevent pollution can apply for a Small Business Advantage Grant through the Department of Environmental Protection. Businesses can apply for 50-percent matching grants of up to $7,500 to adopt or acquire energy efficient or pollution-prevention equipment or processes.

Applicants must be a for-profit corporation, LLC, partnership, sole proprietorship or other legal entity with 100 or fewer full-time employees. The grant-supported project must be located within a Pennsylvania facility owned by the applicant and save the business at least 10 percent annually in energy or pollution-related expenses.

Applicants may be manufacturers, retailers, service providers, mining operators or agricultural businesses. Examples of 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.

Nov. 5 is the application deadline. Faxes and electronic submissions will not be accepted. Eligible applications will be approved on a first-come, first-served basis until funds are exhausted.

Since Governor Edward G. Rendell launched the program in 2004, the Small Business Advantage Grant Program has awarded more than $5.8 million to 1,041 businesses across the state. The application package, including guidance, instructions and application form, is available at www.depweb.state.pa.us, keyword: Small Business Advantage, or by calling 717-783-8411.

Applications must be mailed or hand-delivered to the Department of Environmental Protection, Office of Energy and Technology Deployment, Rachel Carson State Office Building, 400 Market St., P.O. Box 8772, Harrisburg, PA 17105-8772. ATTN: Small Business Advantage.

For questions or concerns regarding project eligibility, contact the Office of Energy and Technology Deployment, Small Business Ombudsman’s Office at 717-783-8411 or at epadvantagegrant@state.pa.us before submitting an application.