New Grants and Funding Available!

DEP Small Business Advantage Grant Expected to Reopen in October

The PA Department of Environmental Protection expects to reopen their Small Business Advantage Grant, possibly as soon as October 4, 2010. Funds will be available for energy efficiency and pollution prevention projects.

When the program reopens, applications will be accepted and funds will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis until the funds are exhausted.

Under the program, businesses can apply for a 50 percent matching grant of up to $7,500 for taking actions that save at least 25 percent annually in energy or pollution-related costs. To be eligible, an applicant must be a for-profit company with 100 or few employees.

For help with the application process so you are prepared when the program opens (there are some new requirements), contact your local EMAP consultant or call our toll-free hotline, 1.877.ask.EMAP.

Link to Application Homepage



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USDA Funds for Energy Projects

USDA is currently accepting applications from agricultural producers and rural small businesses for the next round of REAP (Rural Energy for America) grant funding for small projects. These funds can be used for energy efficiency and renewable energy projects.


>>Go to the USDA/REAP website



For help with the application process contact your local EMAP consultant or call our toll-free hotline, 1.877.ask.EMAP.

If your business is green, get the recognition it deserves

The Sustainable Business Designation Program, or SB, is a new program supported by Allegheny County’s Department of Economic Development which aims to breathe new life into downtown business districts. The program “recognizes businesses for taking actions that are good for their bottom lines, the environment and their communities,” says Allegheny County executive Dan Onorato.

SB decals will soon be available to be prominently displayed in the windows of businesses in at least 22 southwestern PA municipalities, demonstrating evidence of sustainable business practice. In order to qualify for the SB designation, business owners must satisfy at least 15 requirements from 10 different categories which come from an online survey. This survey can be found at www.downtownfirst.net. First click “sustainable certification” in the left-hand column and then on the link directly under “Does your business qualify for the sustainable business designation?” Once qualified for the rating, information on businesses will be available in stores as well as online.

Additional information can be received by calling the Allegheny County Department of Economic Development (412-350-3300).