FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT:
Kristina Gaffny, [email protected]
CDPHE encourages Aurora and Commerce City businesses to apply for the Small Business Equity Fund grant program
$10,000 grants will help improve sustainability and lower energy costs
REMOTE (November 28, 2023): CDPHE’s Colorado Green Business Network is now accepting applications for the Small Business Equity Fund grant program for businesses located in Aurora and Commerce City, Colorado. The program aims to help businesses transition to energy-efficient equipment, which can save money through reduced energy use.
“After the success of last year’s program, we are thrilled to once again support small businesses interested in transitioning to more energy-efficient equipment,” said Rayna Oliker, Colorado Green Business Network Administrator. “The program will help Aurora and Commerce City businesses make necessary energy upgrades that will enhance equity and build a greener, more sustainable Colorado for all, and we look forward to expanding our reach to more communities in the future.”
The Colorado Green Business Network will assess applications according to eligibility and application submission on a first-come, first-serve basis while funds last. Businesses that meet the following eligibility requirements should fill out an online application. Applications are reviewed as they come in. This opportunity will conclude when funding is no longer available or by August 1, 2024, whichever comes first. To be eligible:
If selected, businesses can get free replacement and installation of energy-efficient indoor and outdoor LED lighting, cooler and case LED lighting, and other minor energy upgrades. The program will also provide upfront coverage of up to 70% of the cost of Energy Star commercial equipment replacements, including equipment purchase delivery, installation, and proper disposal. Businesses will receive up to $10,000 in combined funds for direct installation and equipment replacement upgrades.
Businesses that have participated in the Small Business Equity Fund program and received funding can apply for this grant again. However, the program will prioritize new applicants. The program will place previous participants on a waitlist and contact them as additional funding becomes available.
The Small Business Equity Fund program has proven highly successful. Since its inception in 2022, the program has supported 14 small businesses with energy efficiency upgrades by installing 27 occupancy sensors, 23 outdoor LED lights, two programmable thermostats and funded 14 Energy Star refrigeration equipment replacements. The equity fund also referred 12 qualifying businesses to Xcel’s Energy Small Business Energy Solutions program for free LED lighting upgrades, installing 695 indoor lights.
In addition, the program has partnered with small businesses to help them make energy efficiency improvements to lower their energy bill, removed a significant amount of high-global warming potential refrigerants by properly recycling the old equipment, and improved food safety by replacing old inefficient refrigeration equipment that might not have provided optimal cooling.
Applications are available in English and Spanish. Visit the Small Business Equity Fund web page to learn more and apply.
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The Colorado Green Business Network is a voluntary program that encourages, supports, and rewards organizations that make the move toward the goal of true operational sustainability. Its goal is to support organizations throughout the state at any level of implementation in increasing the efficiency and sustainability of their operation through assessing opportunities for growth, recognizing success, and providing connections to like-minded businesses throughout the state.
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For media inquiries about CDPHE’S work, please visit our website, which lists our team by division.
For media inquiries regarding the State of Colorado’s response to COVID-19, please email [email protected] or call 303-900-2849.
https://cdphe.colorado.gov/small-business-equity-fund
Learn More Here
On Havana Street’s Piramides Mexican Restaurant upgraded a freezer with an Energy Star unit, and installed indoor LED lights and a sensor. This project was awarded $5,364 in funding.
The Colorado Green Business Network Specialists are here to help! We will provide assistance in English and Spanish as well (hablamos español también). If you need support completing the application or have questions, please contact us:
[email protected] – 720-968-0366
Small Business Equity Fund application
Solicitud para el Programa de Financiamiento Equitativo para Pequeñas Empresas
Colorado Green Business Network
Colorado Green Business Network – Spanish
