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

The deadline for applications is August 29.

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

Eligible projects must save the business at least 15 percent annually in energy or pollution related expenses.

The Department will begin accepting applications on July 21.

To download an application package and more information, visit the DEP Small Business Advantage Grant Program webpage or contact Dave Barnes, Office of Energy and Technology Deployment, Small Business Ombudsman's Office, at 717-783-8411 or send email to: epadvantagegrant@state.pa.us .

Applicants can also contact the Environmental Management Assistance Program or call 877-ASK-EMAP.

7/18/2008