The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection is accepting applications for its Small Business Advantage Grant program through March 22, 2024, or until funds are exhausted. The program is a first-come, first served program so it is important to apply early. It provides reimbursement grants up to $5,000 to $8,000, based upon the environmental impact of the project, and requires a match of 50% to 20%, based upon the same factors. Over the years, a number of Hermitage businesses have accessed this grant program.
Eligible projects must improve energy efficiency or reduce pollution or waste by upgrading or replacing equipment or supplies, improving processes, or reducing runoff into affected waterways. Additionally, eligible projects must save the small business a minimum of $500 per year and at least 20% of annual energy consumption or pollution-related expenses. Lighting, HVAC, boiler, and digital x-ray upgrades are the most common project types, but a wide variety of projects are eligible for funding.
In order to qualify, an entity must be a Pennsylvania-based, for-profit business with 100 or fewer full-time employees. Application guidance, required forms and information are located on the Department’s webpage at: https://www.dep.pa.gov/Citizens/GrantsLoansRebates/SmallBusinessOmbudsmanOffice/Pages/Small%20Business%20Advantage%20Grant.aspx