by Shane Henson — April 15, 2013—Minority-, women-, and veteran-owned businesses seeking to make their companies more energy-efficient through using light-emitting diode (LED) lighting may be able to receive financial help through Independence LED’s recently launched $10 million Energy Grant Program.
“When we learned about the disproportionally high unemployment levels among veterans and minorities, we were motivated to support business owners and reward their entrepreneurial spirit,” said Independence LED Chairman Charlie Szoradi. “Lighting typically accounts for about a third of commercial electricity usage, and our LEDs reduce the cost by 50 percent, so every dollar saved can go toward either retaining or hiring key employees. Our program is as much about jobs as it is about energy.”
Grant highlights include:
- Ten percent of the cost of the Independence LED Retrofit Equipment up to $10,000 in grant payments is covered per business location. This program is designed to create economic advantages for at least 1,000 U.S. minority-, women-, or veteran-owned business enterprises.
- 100 percent of the cost of an energy analysis is included. The energy analysis centers on savings reports provided to the grant recipient based on lighting information furnished by the end user.
- $0 down payment financing options. Cash flow positive financing is available for qualified businesses, subject to review by third-party financing companies that are Independence LED strategic partners.
