---
title: Guaranteed Grants & Loans Available for Small Business Energy Improvements
description: The Rural Energy for America Program is offering renewable energy systems and energy efficiency improvement guaranteed loans and grants for small businesses.
image: https://blog.widseth.com/hubfs/REAP%20Funding_Apr23.jpg
---

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# Guaranteed Grants & Loans Available for Small Business Energy Improvements

By Gail Leverson, MBA, EDFP - Senior Funding Specialist April 19, 2023

![](https://blog.widseth.com/hubfs/REAP%20Funding_Apr23.jpg)

The [Rural Energy for America Program](https://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/energy-programs/rural-energy-america-program-renewable-energy-systems-energy-efficiency-improvement-guaranteed-loans/mn) provides guaranteed loan financing and grant funding to rural small businesses in [eligible areas](https://eligibility.sc.egov.usda.gov/eligibility/welcomeAction.do?pageAction=ONERDMAP) for renewable energy systems or to make energy efficiency improvements. Available funding includes grants for up to 50% of total eligible project costs and combined grant and loan guarantee funding for up to 75% of total eligible project costs.

## Renewable Energy Systems

Funds can be used for renewable energy systems, such as:

- Biomass (e.g. biodiesel and ethanol, anaerobic digesters, and solid fuels)
- Geothermal for electric generation or direct use
- Hydropower below 30 megawatts
- Hydrogen
- Small and large wind generation
- Small and large solar generation

Renewable Energy System Grant terms are $2,500 minimum and $1 million maximum.

 

## Energy Efficiency Improvements

Funds may also be used for the purchase, installation, and construction of energy efficiency improvements, such as:

- High-efficiency heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems (HVAC)
- Insulation
- Lighting
- Cooling or refrigeration units
- Doors and windows

Energy Efficiency Grant terms are $1,500 minimum and $500,000 maximum.

 

Applications are accepted every quarter with the next period deadline of June 30, 2023.

Contact Widseth for help with getting your application started.

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![Gail Leverson, MBA, EDFP - Senior Funding Specialist](https://blog.widseth.com/hubfs/LeversonGail-400-150x150.jpg)

Gail Leverson, MBA, EDFP - Senior Funding Specialist / About Author

 Gail is a senior funding specialist in Widseth's Bemidji office. Contact her today to discuss your next project. Gail.Leverson@widseth.com or 218-308-2604.

[More posts by Gail Leverson, MBA, EDFP - Senior Funding Specialist](https://blog.widseth.com/author/gail-leverson-mba-edfp)

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