Join fellow area businesses in learning about USDA’s Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) Grant and Loan program which can assist with renewable energy and energy efficiency projects to cut costs or generate income. A come-and-go open forum will be held Monday, Feb. 23, 2015, beginning at 1:30 p.m. until 4:00 p.m. at the USDA Ag Service Center just west of Beck Motors on 4th Street, in the main conference room.
The REAP program is specifically for small businesses and ag producers to either make energy efficiency improvements (replacing lights, furnaces, coolers, etc.) or to install a renewable energy system (wind, solar, geothermal, etc.) The program provides a 25% grant, and guaranteed loans are also available if needed. USDA Specialists, Providers of Energy Audits & Assessments, and area Energy Consulting Businesses will be on hand to answer questions, as well as display energy saving devices and equipment.
The first deadline – for projects under $80,000 - is April 30, 2015. For projects over $80,000, the first deadline is June 30th. Eligible applicants for these grants are rural small businesses (must meet SBA size standards which are based either on gross sales or number of employees), farmers and ranchers. Applications for residential building improvements will not be eligible.
For more information, please contact Rural Development Loan Specialist Clark Guthmiller at (605) 224-8870, Extension 120.