Small Business Energy Solutions
Dartmouth, NS, Canada
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|projects
The Small Business Energy Solutions program in Nova Scotia provides support for a variety of energy efficiency projects. Eligible activities primarily revolve around upgrading commercial equipment and amenities to reduce energy consumption and enhance sustainability.
- Commercial Agriculture equipment upgrades.
- Commercial Lighting enhancements.
- Commercial Compressed Air system improvements.
- Commercial Heating system upgrades.
- Commercial IT and Datacentre improvements.
- Commercial Kitchen equipment enhancements.
- Upgrades to Commercial Laundry facilities.
- Refrigeration system improvements for commercial use.
- Commercial Pool equipment upgrades.
- Commercial Pumping system enhancements.
- Installation of Commercial Solar PV systems.
- Utilization of Commercial Variable Frequency Drives to improve efficiency.
grant_single|admissibleProjectsExample
$25,000
Expansion of a community-based organic bakery
$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
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 businesses located within a specific geographic location as determined by the funding criteria. The eligibility is based on the facility location that aligns with the program's regional goals.
- Businesses with facilities located in Nova Scotia.
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
Apply to this program
Enhance Your Small Business Efficiency with Rebates
Efficiency Nova Scotia’s Small Business Energy Solutions provides rebates and interest-free financing to help small businesses reduce energy costs through electronic and non-electronic upgrades. This program is specifically targeted at small businesses in Nova Scotia to foster more sustainable and cost-efficient operations.
Detailed Overview of Small Business Energy Solutions Program
The Small Business Energy Solutions program, offered by Efficiency Nova Scotia, is an excellent opportunity for small businesses to enhance their energy efficiency while reducing their operational costs. The program is designed for businesses that have a commitment to sustainability and a desire to lower their energy consumption. Eligible businesses are those with annual electricity usage below specific thresholds—less than 600,000 kWh for electric upgrades and less than 350,000 kWh for non-electric upgrades. It offers significant rebates on energy efficiency upgrades, making it an attractive choice for business owners looking to improve their environmental footprint and financial bottom line.
The program not only provides financial incentives in the form of rebates covering a portion of the project costs but also offers a flexible financial planning option. Qualified businesses can avail themselves of 24-month interest-free financing, easing the strain on cash flow as they implement upgrades. This financing is conveniently set up through the Nova Scotia Power bill, enabling businesses to manage their expenses more effectively.
Successful utilization of the program can lead to transformative changes in a business’s energy consumption patterns. For example, initiatives can include upgrading to more energy-efficient lighting, advanced refrigeration systems, and employing variable frequency drives, which collectively reduce energy usage and emissions. Such upgrades not only contribute to conserving energy but also distinguish businesses as leaders in adopting sustainable practices.
Moreover, Efficiency Nova Scotia supports its program participants by providing additional resources such as energy assessments. Eligible businesses may receive a complimentary assessment, offering insights into current energy inefficiencies and guiding them to the most beneficial upgrades. These assessments are critical in identifying and addressing key areas where energy efficiency can be significantly enhanced, ensuring that businesses derive maximum benefit from the upgrades they choose to implement.
For those new to energy efficiency improvements, or unsure where to start, the program's "opportunity worksheet" assists business owners in identifying potential areas for upgrading. Additionally, Efficiency Nova Scotia provides a network of trusted contractors through their Efficiency Preferred Partner network, ensuring that businesses have access to skilled professionals capable of executing these critical energy-saving projects to the highest standards.
Finally, the program allows for a unique blend of flexibility and rigor in its implementation. While it necessitates preapproval before the purchase or installation of eligible products to ensure financial prudence and maximize rebate benefits, it also offers businesses the liberty to choose their contractors. This aspect not only aids business owners in aligning with industry-leading energy efficiency solutions but also supports the local economy by engaging regional service providers.
In essence, the Small Business Energy Solutions program represents a commitment to progress in energy sustainability while providing tangible financial benefits to small businesses in Nova Scotia. It empowers business owners to make strategic energy improvements that foster both immediate and long-term economic viability and environmental responsibility. Through collaboration and innovation, the program aims to redefine how small businesses approach energy consumption, contributing significantly to a greener and more sustainable future for Nova Scotia’s business community.