Guaranteed Grants & Loans Available for Small Business Energy Improvements

The Rural Energy for America Program provides guaranteed loan financing and grant funding to rural small businesses in eligible areas 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.