MN Business Energy Retrofit Grant
MN Business Energy Retrofit Grant
Iron Range Resources & Rehabilitation
ABOUT THE GRANT
The Business Energy Retrofit (BER) Grant provides small business owners, Tribal governments, and nonprofits with reimbursement grants of $2,500 to $25,000 to fund energy-efficiency improvements at their commercial properties. Funded by Iron Range Resources & Rehabilitation (IRRR), Minnesota's economic development agency for the Iron Range region, and administered through a partnership with the Arrowhead Economic Opportunity Agency (AEOA), the program is available to businesses with 100 or fewer employees located within IRRR's northeastern Minnesota service area. Grant awards may cover up to $25,000 in eligible energy retrofit expenses (or one-third of total project cost, capped at $75,000, whichever is lower).
Eligible projects include lighting and fixtures, building envelope air sealing, appliances, motors, and equipment, insulation and ventilation, heating and cooling systems, windows and door replacements, large generators for business use, new construction for remodeling in the event of fire or natural disaster, and renewable energy installations. Electric vehicle installations are also eligible, contingent upon proof that all other funding sources (state, federal, and power company programs) have been exhausted.
Applications are accepted year-round and reviewed twice per year. A $500 AEOA application fee is required at the initial inspection and processed at project closing. Work cannot begin prior to approval and site inspection, and grant payments are made directly to the awarded contractor or vendor upon completion and final inspection. Applicants are limited to one project per year (additional projects considered case-by-case) and must have property taxes paid and up to date, along with verification from the Minnesota Secretary of State that the organization and any contractors are active and in good standing. Prevailing wage must be paid and certified payroll collected.
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NOTES
Note: grant recipients must be located within the Iron Range Resources & Rehabilitation service area (Northeast Minnesota). Details about that service area can be found at the grant website.
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