The North Carolina Green Business Fund and the North Carolina Office of Science and Technology, a division of the state Department of Commerce, are currently seeking proposals from small for-profit businesses and nonprofit organizations for energy efficiency projects to reduce energy consumption, implement renewable energy measures and promote the use of building energy efficiency. Qualifying business must be based in North Carolina with fewer than 100 employees. This competitive funding opportunity will provide funding for projects that benefit NC-based small businesses by reducing their overall energy usage and implementing renewable energy measures.

Projects that increase awareness of building energy efficiency by proposing energy efficiency education, training, and energy audits to businesses are also eligible. Funding can be used to support the development of energy efficient materials, equipment purchases, contracting, installation and training related to renewable energy or energy efficiency measures. Projects must be installed and become operational by December 31, 2011. Awards may be made for projects that further one or more of the following goals:

• Save energy
• Install or generate renewable energy to offset the use of energy from greenhouse gas generating sources as a demonstration project or use all of the generated energy onsite
• Promote building energy efficiency
• Create or retain jobs.

The Green Business Fund has approximately $3 million available for distribution among winning proposals. The minimum application funding request is $100,000, and the maximum $500,000. This solicitation closes at 2 p.m. Wednesday March 30, 2011. A copy of the solicitation, scoring criteria, and instructions on how to apply can be found online at www.ncscitech.com/gbf. Please let the Partnership know if you have an interest in developing a proposal. We would be happy to assist wherever possible.