ANCA helping businesses, farms apply for federal grants

SARANAC LAKE | The Adirondack North Country Association (ANCA) has launched a new program aimed at helping small businesses and farms navigate a federal grant program that provides funding for renewable energy and energy efficiency projects. ANCA's REAP ADK+ program is now accepting inquiries from businesses that may be eligible for grants through the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Energy for America Program (REAP). In April, ANCA was awarded a $137,000 technical assistance grant from USDA to provide support for businesses applying to REAP, with a goal of securing funds for at least 36 businesses over three years. Through REAP ADK+, ANCA provides free application preparation and support services, as well as free assistance determining applicants' eligibility, for businesses located in the nonprofit's 14-county service area in northern New York. "We are always looking for opportunities to bring federal and state investments into our rural region," ANCA Executive Director Elizabeth Cooper said. "We are eager to build on ANCA's existing relationships with North Country businesses, farms and energy contractors and secure more funding for energy projects that will have lasting benefits for our communities. We are grateful to USDA Rural Development for helping us provide grant navigation support for local businesses and farms." Cooper said REAP-funded projects will help owners reduce energy bills while adopting cleaner, more energy-efficient technologies that will benefit their businesses for years to come. This project, she said, supports ANCA's efforts to build a clean energy economy that benefits local businesses, workers and communities. "This program is a great opportunity for farms and businesses that are experiencing high utility costs," said ANCA's Manager of Food Systems Business Jon Ignatowski. "Energy bills often take the biggest bite out of their bottom line, and energy upgrades are a great way of ensuring long-term financial stability for their business." REAP provides grant funding to small businesses and farms for high-efficiency and renewable energy projects like the installation of heat pumps, insulation, solar panels, and energy-efficient lighting. The program reimburses up to 50% of the costs of each project. Eligible applicants include agricultural producers, small businesses, cooperatives, rural electric utilities and tribal corporations. "USDA Rural Development in New York is proud to be a partner with the Adirondack North Country Association," USDA Rural Development N.Y. State Director Brian Murray said. "For more than a decade, our collaboration with ANCA has supported countless rural businesses and ag producers throughout the region. Together, we've expanded renewable energy opportunities as well as provided technical assistance to stakeholders — helping them expand into new markets and grow their bottom lines. Together, we've worked to create good paying jobs and continue to deliver on our commitment to improve the economy and quality of life in rural communities — because together, we believe that when rural America thrives, all of America thrives." Ignatowski said that North Country businesses often miss out on opportunities to access existing funding, resulting in the loss of millions of dollars of potential investments in our region. Through its work providing grant writing workshops and grant coordination support, ANCA has learned that many businesses would benefit from help navigating the complex maze of public and private grants that are available to them. Since May 2023, ANCA helped submit 12 grant proposals which account for a total of over $3 million in funding support. These efforts have ultimately helped secure over $2 million in grants for five small businesses. "Businesses and farms should know that the chance of success for this grant opportunity has been very good," said Ignatowski. "We see REAP as relatively low-hanging fruit in a grants landscape that can be very challenging. We encourage interested businesses to contact us as soon as possible so we can help determine their eligibility and apply for these funds." Businesses are invited to learn more about REAP ADK+ at www.adirondack.org/reapadk or by contacting Ignatowski at jignatowski@adirondack.org.

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ANCA helping businesses, farms apply for federal grants

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