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Efficiency Nova Scotia — Small Business Energy Solutions
Dartmouth, NS
Rebates and financing for small business energy upgrades
grant_single_labels|summary
grant_single|eligibleFinancing
- grant_single|noCondition
grant_single|deadlines
- grant_single|timelineUnspecified
grant_single|financingType
Loans and Capital investments
grant_single|eligibleIndustries
- Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting
- Retail trade
grant_single|grantors
- Efficiency Nova Scotia
grant_single|status
grant_card_status|open
grant_single_labels|preview
The Small Business Energy Solutions program by Efficiency Nova Scotia offers rebates for energy efficiency upgrades and provides 24-month interest-free financing for electric upgrades to eligible small businesses. Eligible activities include retrofit projects that improve energy efficiency in facilities located in Nova Scotia with annual electrical use under specified limits; however, a specific maximum funding amount isn't mentioned.
grant_single_labels|terms_and_conditions
The Efficiency Nova Scotia — Small Business Energy Solutions program offers specific financing options to assist small businesses in their energy efficiency initiatives. These modalities are designed to reduce upfront costs and support sustainability efforts.
- 24-month interest-free financing provided on the Nova Scotia Power bill for businesses undertaking eligible electric upgrades.
grant_single_labels|projects
The Efficiency Nova Scotia — Small Business Energy Solutions grant offers support for small businesses in Nova Scotia to enhance energy efficiency through eligible retrofit projects. These initiatives focus on upgrading existing systems to improve sustainability, reduce energy consumption, and lower costs.
- Energy efficiency upgrades for commercial lighting.
- Installation of energy-efficient commercial refrigeration systems.
- Upgrades to commercial heating systems for improved efficiency.
- Implementation of commercial solar PV systems.
- Enhancing efficiency of commercial compressed air systems.
- Updating commercial kitchen and laundry equipment to energy-efficient models.
- Retrofitting commercial datacentres with energy-saving measures.
- Installation of commercial variable frequency drives.
grant_single|admissibleProjectsExample
$ 30,000
Implementation of a digital literacy program for seniors
$ 20,000
Development of eco-friendly packaging solutions
$ 15,000
Launch of a cultural art festival celebrating diversity
$ 30,000
Implementation of a renewable energy training program
$ 25,000
Revitalization of urban gardens for local food security
$ 25,000
Expansion of a community-based organic bakery
grant_single_labels|admissibility
Eligibility for this grant is determined by specific requirements related to the business energy consumption and location.
- The business must be a small business with annual electrical use under 600,000 kWh for electric upgrades, or under 350,000 kWh for non-electric upgrades.
- The facility or facilities of the small business must be located in Nova Scotia.
- The program is available for retrofit projects only, not new construction projects.
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply
Small business owners in Nova Scotia with annual electrical energy consumption of less than 600,000 kWh for electric upgrades or less than 350,000 kWh for non-electric upgrades can apply for the Small Business Energy Solutions program. This program offers rebates and interest-free financing for eligible energy efficiency improvements.
grant_eligibility_criteria|eligible_expenses
The grant covers expenses related to energy efficiency upgrades in small business facilities.
- Costs associated with energy efficient lighting upgrades.
- Expenses for energy efficient refrigeration systems.
- Costs related to installing variable frequency drives.
- Expenditures on energy efficient heating solutions.
- Funds for energy efficient commercial kitchen equipment.
- Costs for upgrading commercial laundry systems.
- Expenses associated with commercial pool equipment.
- Costs of implementing compressed air systems.
- Expenditures for upgrading IT and Datacentre equipment to be more energy efficient.
- Investments in solar PV systems.
grant_eligibility_criteria|zone
This grant is available to small business facilities that are located in a specific geographical area as determined by the program guidelines. The eligible area is focused within the boundaries of the funding entity's region to facilitate efficient implementation and monitoring.
- Businesses must be located in the province of Nova Scotia, Canada.
grant_single_labels|register
Here are the steps to submit an application for this grant:
- Step 1: Assess Eligibility
- Confirm your business meets the criteria of using less than 600,000 kWh annually for electric upgrades or under 350,000 kWh for non-electric upgrades.
- Ensure your facility is located in Nova Scotia and eligible for retrofit projects.
- Step 2: Complete Opportunity Worksheet
- Fill out an Opportunity Worksheet to help identify potential energy efficiency measures.
- Submit the worksheet to be contacted by Efficiency Nova Scotia for further assessment.
- Step 3: Conduct Energy Assessment
- Schedule and complete a free Small Business Energy Assessment if eligible.
- Review the assessment report to identify inefficiencies and explore upgrade solutions.
- Step 4: Obtain Quotes
- Reach out to contractors or utilize the Efficiency Preferred Partner network to obtain quotes for the proposed energy upgrades.
- Ensure all quotes meet the program’s technical requirements.
- Step 5: Submit Application
- Complete the relevant Commercial Rebate Application – Before You Buy form per your project category (e.g., Commercial Lighting, Commercial Heating).
- Attach detailed quotes and submit the application to rebates@efficiencyns.ca.
- Step 6: Receive Preapproval
- Wait for preapproval from Efficiency Nova Scotia to verify product eligibility and energy savings calculations.
- Receive guidance on the final rebate amounts expected.
- Step 7: Implement Upgrades
- Proceed with purchase and installation of approved equipment after obtaining preapproval.
- Step 8: Seek Rebate
- Submit any additional required documentation post-installation as requested by Efficiency Nova Scotia to finalize rebate processing.
grant_single_labels|otherInfo
Here are additional relevant details for the Small Business Energy Solutions program:
- Rebates are calculated based on expected energy savings, meaning higher savings lead to higher rebates.
- Applicants can compare multiple contractor quotes to optimize rebate eligibility, and pre-approvals can be issued for multiple quotes.
- A network of trusted contractors called Efficiency Preferred Partners is available for recommendations, though usage of any qualified contractor is permitted.
- While rebates are available for both electric and non-electric upgrades, interest-free financing is only for electric-to-electric upgrades.
- Applicants are required to obtain preapproval before making any purchases or installations to ensure eligibility and for rebate calculations.
grant_single_labels|contact
rebates@efficiencyns.ca
1-877-999-6035