Farmers and Small Businesses Encouraged to Seek Grants to Reduce Pollution and Save Money

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Harrisburg, PA – Grant funding for energy efficiency and pollution prevention projects for small business owners and farmers is still available from the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) through the Small Business Advantage Grant program.

“This grant was created with small businesses and farmers in mind. There are tremendous monetary savings available to Pennsylvania’s small business entrepreneurs by installing energy efficient equipment, such as LED lighting, and Energy Star rated HVAC and boilers,” said Secretary Patrick McDonnell. “Pennsylvania farmers can also benefit from this grant by receiving support for undertaking projects to help them divert sediment and nutrient runoff from our waterways.”

“The Small Business Advantage grants are a tremendous opportunity for farmers to continue their stewardship of the land,” said Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding. “Better soil retention, cleaner water, and a healthier environment benefit all Pennsylvanians, and I encourage farmers to take a look at their own operations to see where one of these grants could help out.”

Pennsylvania-based small business owners with 100 or fewer full-time employees are eligible for the grants. Projects must save the business a minimum of $500 and 25 percent annually in energy consumption, or pollution related expenses. Natural resource protection projects are exempt from the minimums, however the projects must be able to quantify sediment and nutrient reductions into nearby waterways.

Businesses can apply for 50 percent matching funds for equipment or materials, up to $9,500, when adopting energy-efficient or pollution prevention equipment or processes. Applications are considered on a first come, first served basis, and will be accepted until fiscal year 2018-19 funds are exhausted, or April 12, 2019, whichever occurs first.

The complete grant application package, which includes step-by-step instructions for completing the online application as well as all related forms, is available by visiting the DEP Small Business Ombudsman’s Office website.