Matching grants up to $15,000 per applicant for energy efficiency projects are available through two Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy programs targeting small manufacturers as well as agribusinesses, farms, and small businesses in rural communities.
Small manufacturers are eligible for matching funds of up to $15,000 to partially cover the costs of energy efficiency upgrades through the Small Manufacturers Energy Waste Reduction Incentive Pilot. Farms, agribusinesses, and small businesses in rural communities are eligible for matching funds of up to $15,000 for energy related projects through the Agriculture and Rural Communities Energy Incentive Program.
"Small businesses and agriculture are the backbone of Michigan's economy," said Robert Jackson, assistant division director of the Materials Management Division at EGLE. "Often, though, businesses or farms don't have the resources for energy retrofits that can save them money. Our matching grants will help them to achieve energy savings that can then be reinvested into their businesses."
About the Small Manufacturers Energy Waste Reduction Incentive Pilot:
- Offers matching grants for activities including technical assistance services from energy assistance programs, energy efficiency training courses or workshops, enrollment in energy efficiency programs, benchmarking, or boiler, chiller or furnace tune-ups.
- Open to any manufacturer in Michigan with 500 or fewer employees worldwide.
- Companies can qualify for up to $15,000 with a 100 percent match.
- Program priorities include manufacturers in rural or low-income communities, adoption of innovative or cutting-edge technology, and activities with significant environmental or economic benefits.
- For additional information, contact David Herb at HerbD@Michigan.gov.
About the Agriculture and Rural Communities Energy Incentive Program:
- Farms, agribusinesses, food processors and small businesses in rural areas can qualify for energy-related project rebates based on recommendations identified following an energy audit.
- Applicants can qualify for up to $15,000 or 25 percent of the total project cost, whichever is less.
- Eligible projects include benchmarking, energy efficiency upgrades, renewable energy projects, and training or workshops.
- For additional information, contact Jake Wilkinson at WilkinsonJ8@Michigan.gov.
Agreements for both programs will be awarded on a first-come, first-served basis until all funding is allocated.
For information on other energy incentive programs, go to Michigan.gov/Energy and click on Funding Opportunities.
Published: Thu, Jan 23, 2020
