DEP Accepting Applications For Small Business Advantage Energy, Pollution Prevention Grants

The Department of Environmental Protection is now accepting applications for the Small Business Advantage Grant Program for pollution prevention and energy efficiency projects.

DEP will begin accepting applications December 7 and the deadline for applications is January 15.

Small Business Advantage is a grant program providing up to 50 percent matching grants, to a maximum of $7,500, to enable a small business in this Commonwealth to adopt or acquire equipment or processes that result in energy efficiency or pollution prevention. Well designed energy efficient or pollution prevention projects can help small businesses cut costs while simultaneously protecting the environment.

An eligible applicant must be a for-profit small business owner whose business or facility is located within this Commonwealth. Most small businesses in this Commonwealth are eligible, including manufacturers, retailers, service providers, mining businesses and agricultural concerns.

The project must save the business at least 20 percent annually in energy or pollution related expenses. All projects must be completed before June 30, 2010.

The Department will not accept an application submitted by fax or by other electronic means. Funds for this program will be allocated on a first come first served basis. Applicants are encouraged to submit their application in as soon as possible. Applications will be reviewed for funding in the order in which they are received.

For questions regarding the eligibility of projects, contact Dave Barnes, Office of Energy and Technology Deployment, Small Business Ombudsman's Office, 717-783-8411 or send email to: epadvantagegrant@state.pa.us before submitting an application.

Applications will be available online or by contacting the Department of Environmental Protection, Office of Energy and Technology Deployment, 15th Floor, Rachel Carson State Office Building, 400 Market Street, P. O. Box 8772, Harrisburg, PA 17105-8772, 717-783-8411. (formal notice)