Small Businesses -- Got Energy? -- Check Out Pennsylvania's Two Grant/Loan Opportunities!

Pennsylvania's Department of Environmental Protection not only believes in protecting the environment but wants to reward small businesses who do the same thing. They are offering not one but two programs for small businesses whose projects save energy and reduce pollution. The two programs are called The Small Business Advantage Grant Program and Pollution Prevention Assistance Account.

Pennsylvania EPA offering both grants and loans

The programs work together to give small businesses located in Pennsylvania grants up to $9,500 and up to $100,000 in 2 percent, 10-year loans.

Grants - the grants will fund 50 percent of projects up to $9,300 to small business owners who switch to energy efficient or pollution prevention systems. In order to apply, businesses must be for-profit companies and can include limited liability corporations, partnerships, sole proprietorship or others who have no more than 100 full-time employees. Projects can include heating, ventilation and air conditioning and boiler upgrades, high-efficiency lighting, recovery and waste recycling systems.

Loans - the loan program offers low-interest (2 percent) loans for small businesses who install equipment or processes that reduce pollution, cut energy use or reduce raw materials. The loans will cover 75 percent of total eligible project costs up to $100,000.

Deadline to apply is April 15, 2015. Grants and loans are given on a first-come, first-served basis.

For more information on the grant and loan program, visit www.lvb.com/article/20141211/LVB01/141219911/Small-business-grant-and-loan-program-announced-by-DEP