Energy costs continue to increase, and consumers are turning environmentally conscious as well. The “Go Green” mantra seems to be creating an impelling buzz all around. If you are planning to launch a business, make it “green” from the first step, and utilize the many federal, state and local financing programs they offer to help your small businesses.
Use the list below to find money to pay for energy efficient upgrades to your facilities, environment-related projects and improvements, and financial incentives, which can save you money, such as, tax credits, tax deductions, sales tax exemptions, property tax exemptions and rebates:
- US Small Business Administration Loan Programs For Energy Related Businesses at SBA.
Do you qualify? Solar thermal and electric systems (photovoltaics), energy-efficient products and services, biofuels, industrial cogeneration, hydroelectric power, and wind energy are approved technologies for these loans. You can use these loans for a wide range of business investments, such as, purchase of machinery, equipment, furniture, fixtures, facilities, buildings, and supplies or materials. Loan funds, may be used for research and development projects that follow certain guidelines. Loan guarantees cannot exceed $1 million or 75% of the loan amount. For loans up to $150,000 the guaranteed amount cannot exceed 85% of the project. - Texas LoanSTAR (Saving Taxes and Resources) Revolving Loan Program at SECO.
The Texas LoanSTAR (loans to Save Taxes And Resources) Program uses a revolving loan mechanism, which will allow it to continue indefinitely and benefit generations of future Texans. The program was initiated by the Texas Energy Office in 1988 and approved by the U. S. Department of Energy (DOE) as a statewide energy efficiency demonstration program. The quality control on all phases of LoanSTAR has made it one of the most successful and best-documented building energy efficiency programs, state or federal, in the United States. - Find lenders in your state, who will provide loans to small businesses interested in making energy efficient upgrades at ENERGY STAR.
Do you qualify? The website has specific information for various small business types. You can click on the links to view related information:
• Auto Dealers
• Grocery and Convenience Stores
• Home Based Businesses
• Lodging Providers
• Business Renters and Tenants
• Restaurants
• Service and Product Providers (SPPs)
• Small and Medium Sized Manufacturers - Florida Renewable Energy Production Credit: Section 220.193, F.S., provides a corporate income tax credit up to one cent per kilowatt-hour for electricity generated from renewable energy sources by a new Florida renewable energy facility or an expanded Florida renewable energy facility during the previous calendar year. To claim the Florida Renewable Energy Production Credit, a corporation must file an application with the Department of Revenue on or before February 1st for an allocation of the Florida Renewable Energy Production Credit.
Do you qualify? Beginning in 2007 and continuing until February 1, 2011, Florida corporate producers who increase their production of renewable energy through a new or expanded Florida renewable energy facility may submit one application each year for each facility for an allocation of the annual $5 million credit. Florida corporate income taxpayers that own an interest in a general partnership, limited partnership, limited liability company, trust or other artificial entity that owns a Florida renewable energy facility can apply for this credit. - Clay Electric Cooperative, Inc - Energy Conservation Loans: Clay Electric Cooperative, a Touchstone Energy Cooperative, offers low interest loans to help customers finance energy efficiency improvements for their homes. Customers can borrow up to $5,000 for improvements such as high efficiency heat pumps, insulation and certain high efficiency appliances. Customers installing high reflectance metal roofing measures may apply for loans up to $7,500.
Do you qualify? If you have a good credit history, good payment record with Clay Electric and service with Clay Electric for one year, you are eligible. An energy survey is required. A $25 loan processing fee will be assessed on all applications submitted for loan consideration (approved and disapproved). - U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) program for “Green” buildings: The Washington, D.C.-based U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) is a 501 c3 non-profit organization committed to a prosperous and sustainable future for our nation through cost-efficient and energy-saving green buildings. LEED points are awarded on a 100-point scale, and credits are weighted to reflect their potential environmental impacts. Additionally, 10 bonus credits are available, four of which address regionally specific environmental issues. A project must satisfy all prerequisites and earn a minimum number of points to be certified.
The Green Building Certification Institute (GBCI) assumes administration of LEED certification for all commercial and institutional projects registered under any LEED Rating System.
How do you apply? As a developer or owner, you must submit a letter of intent indicating your commitment to achieve a LEED Silver rating before issuance of the Master Use Permit. The City will then issue subsequent permits and the final Certificate of Occupancy based on this good faith commitment. Within 90 days of receiving the final Certificate of Occupancy, the applicant must submit documentation that demonstrates achievement of a LEED Silver Rating.
More Helpful Links
- Texas Energy Efficiency: The website provides information on energy efficiency programs administrated by Texas' investor-owned utilities to achieve the goal for energy efficiency adopted by the Texas Legislature in 1999.
- United States Department of Energy: This website provides additional information on saving money with energy efficiency in your existing home, or in new home construction.
- Energy Star: Find all the information you need on the Energy Star rating for appliances and where you can purchase too.
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