The USDA’s Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) grants help finance renewable energy systems and energy efficiency improvements for long-term sustainability of rural small businesses in Alaska.
What We Offer
In partnership with Information Insights, a consulting firm in Fairbanks, Alaska, RurAL CAP provides free technical assistance for the REAP application process. Whether you are looking to install solar panels, upgrade your heating system, or improve your energy efficiency, we guide you through:
- Project Consultation: Identifying the best energy-saving improvements.
- Grant Application Assistance: Offering hands-on support for documentation and writing.
- SAM.gov Registration Help: We help businesses navigate the required SAM.gov registration process, which is necessary for federal grant applications. This includes guiding you through obtaining a Unique Entity ID (UEI) and ensuring your registration is complete.
- Energy Audits: Coordinating assessments to meet grant standards.
- Project Management Support: Helping manage your project from start to finish.
REAP Grant Overview
The REAP grant is designed to fund renewable energy systems (like solar, wind, and geothermal) and energy efficiency improvements (including upgrades to heating, lighting, insulation, and more). Applicants can receive between 25% – 50% of total project costs through grants, with funding ranging from $1,500 to $500,000 for energy efficiency projects and $2,500 to $1 million for renewable energy projects. The program also offers loan guarantees to further support investments.
Note: This grant is reimbursable. If approved, applicants must pay for the project’s total cost and then apply for reimbursement. Only expenses paid after the application approval will be eligible for reimbursement.
Who is Eligible?
- Small businesses located in rural areas:
- Small business is any business with 300 employees or less
- Rural areas – excludes Anchorage and Juneau.
- Agricultural producers, including those in mariculture.
- Producers who have at least 50% of their income coming from their agricultural business.
- Commercial Fishermen
Types of Projects
We consider projects such as:
- Solar, wind, or geothermal installations
- Energy-efficient refrigeration
- Insulation and HVAC upgrades
- Biomass and biogas systems
- LED lighting retrofits
- Installing heatpumps
Types of Projects for Commercial Fishermen include:
- Installing Refrigerated Saltwater Systems
- Adding Fish hold Insulation
- Compartmentalizing Fish holds
REAP Grant excludes engine upgrades for commercial fishing vessels
To learn more about how your business can benefit from the REAP program and the free technical assistance we offer, sign up here: https://www.usdareapalaska.org/