Business owners in Saint Paul are gearing up for Earth Month with a slew of eco-friendly initiatives aimed at saving the planet while padding their pockets. The local government is paving the way with incentives that include energy efficiency programs, free assessments, and a variety of grants designed to bolster sustainability in the business sector.
For businesses looking to trim their waste lines, BizRecycling is stepping in offering up to five different grants, including the Waste Reduction & Innovation Grant and the Food Recovery Grant. These initiatives encourage Ramsey County businesses to adopt greener practices through financial support and resources, according to the City of St. Paul. And, it's not just about what you can throw away, the program provides up to a whopping $5,000 in trash, and recycling labels free of charge.
Small businesses can also take a chill pill when it comes to energy costs, thanks to the One-Stop Efficiency Shop program. Sponsored by Xcel Energy, the scheme offers free energy assessments, and rebates of up to 75 percent of project costs, and even scores clients a free ecobee3 lite smart thermostat — plus installation, as per the City of St. Paul. "The program includes project support, including help finding contractors and reviewing bids" the newsletter explains, offering an extra hand to businesses trying to navigate energy efficiency upgrades.
Out with the old and in with the sustainable – this is the call of Saint Paul's 38th annual Citywide Spring Cleanup scheduled for April 20. The cleanup event invites community members to band together and tackle litter. And if you're feeling that neighborhood pride, there's an Adopt-a-Block program that cheers on businesses to keep their immediate environs spick and span.
If grants and cleanups aren't enough, local businesses are spoiled for choice with additional resources, from the Business Energy Efficiency Grant Program to the cutting-edge MNimize campaign aimed at cutting single-use plastics in food service. There's also the Small Business Environmental Improvement Loan sporting a 0% interest rate, making green upgrades more attainable for the little guys. Plus, financial empowerment and growth opportunities abound, with offerings like the MN PROMISE Act and the CEO Now program lurking just on the horizon.
