Environmental Financing Resources For California Businesses
This page last reviewed April 17, 2008
Table of Contents
Introduction
Federal Financial Resources -- Loan Programs
Federal Financial Resources -- Grant Programs
State Financial Resources -- Loan Programs
State Financial Resources -- Grant Programs
State Financial Resources -- Bond Programs
State Financial Resources -- Special Programs
State Financial Resources -- Financial / Business Services
Private / Nonprofit Financial Resources -- Loan Programs
Electrical Utilities -- Discounts and Incentives
Electrical Utilities -- Financial / Technical Services
Federal Financial Resources -- Loan Programs
SBA 7(a) Loan Program
SBA 504 Certified Development Company
Loan Program
SBA Low Documentation (LowDoc) Loan
Program
Export Revolving Line of Credit Loan
(ERLC)
CapLine Program-Revolving Line of Credit
Minority Prequalification Pilot Loan
Program
Handicapped Assistance Loan (HAL)
Export Working Capital Program (EWCP)
Defense Loan and Technical Assistance
(DELTA) Program
Small Loan Program
Contract Loan Program
Energy and Conservation Loan Program
Small General Contractor Loans
Pollution Control Loans
Rural Economic and Community Development
(RECD) Loan Program
-- Business
and Industry Guaranteed Loans
Federal Financial Resources -- Grant Programs
Community Development Block
Grants (CDBG)
Small Business Innovation Research Grant
Small Business Innovation
Research Program
National Industrial Competitiveness
Through Energy, Environment
-- and
Economics (NICE3)
National Institute of Standards and
Technology
--
Advanced Technology Program
State Energy Program
State Financial Resources -- Loan Programs
California Capital Access
Program (CalCAP)
Loan Guarantee Program
Hazardous Waste Reduction Direct Loans
Industrial Development Bond Financing (IDB)
Underground Storage Tank Repair Direct
Loan
Sudden and Severe Economic Dislocation
Loan Program (SSED)
Old Growth Diversification Revolving Loan
Fund
Rural Economic Development Infrastructure
Program (REDIP)
California Export Finance Office (CEFO)
Loan Guarantees
Small Business Energy Loan Program
State Revolving Fund Program-Nonpoint
Source Loan
Recycling Market Development Zone
Low-Interest Loan Program
State Financial Resources -- Grant Programs
Used Oil Research and
Demonstration Program Grants
California Tire Recycling Grant Program
Recycling, Public Education, and Litter
Reduction Grant Program
Community Development Block Grant (CDBG)
Program
Defense Adjustment Matching Grant
Defense Conversion Matching Grant (CALTIP)
State Financial Resources -- Bond Programs
California Pollution Control
Financing Authority (CPCFA)
-- Large
Business Pollution Control Tax Exempt Bond Program
CPCFA Small Business Pollution Control Tax
Exempt Bond Program
California Industrail Development Financing
Advisory Commission (CIDFAC)
-- Industrial
Development Bonds
State Financial Resources -- Special Programs
Rice Straw Demonstration Fund
The Carl Moyer Memorial Air Quality
Standards Attainment Program
California Air District Working Group
Emission Reduction Program
Innovative Clean Air Technologies (ICAT)
Program
Air Quality Assistance Fund
Air Quality Investment Program
AB 2766, Discretionary Funds
AB2766, Subvention Funds
Technology Advancement Office
Heavy-Duty Motor Vehicle Emission
Reduction Incentive Program
On-Road Low-Emission Heavy-Duty Vehicle
Incentive Program
Integrated Pest Management Program
Alternative Fuels Infrastructure
Demonstration Program
State Financial Resources -- Financial / Business Services
Office of Small Business Financial
Assistance
California Small Business Development
Centers
California Environmental Protection Agency
Enterprise Zone Program
Local Agency Military Base Recovery Area
Act
Office of Small Business Certification
& Resources
Business Enterprise Program
Sales and Use Tax Exemption
Investment Tax Credit
Private / Nonprofit Financial Resources -- Loan Programs
Loan Guarantees
Micro Loan Guarantees
Co-Lending Program
Loans-to-Lenders Program
Direct Real Estate Lending Program
Financing Initiative for Environmental
Restoration (FIER)
Enviroloan Pilot Program
EnterFund Program
Clean Air Lenders Council
Municipal Utility District (MUD) Act Loans
Electrical Utilities -- Discounts and Incentives
Economic Development Rate (SCE)
Economic Discount Rate (PG&E)
New Job Rate (SDG&E)
Commercial and Industrial Energy Services
Programs (SMUD)
Project Completion Incentive (SMUD)
HVAC Prescriptive Equipment Replacement
(SMUD)
Merchant Association Project
Development Incentive (SMUD)
New Technologies (SMUD)
Compact Fluorescent Lamp Aggregated
Purchase Program (SMUD)
Electrical Utilities -- Financial / Technical Services
CMTC / SMUD Industrial Energy
Efficiency Alliance
Compressed Air Initiative (SMUD)
Motor System Energy Efficiency Initiative
(SMUD)
Energy Information and Energy Assessments
(SMUD)
Customer Education (SMUD)
Project Management (SMUD)
INTRODUCTION
The future course of environmental management in California is increasingly being viewed in the context of "sustainable systems." In order to be considered sustainable, these systems must exhibit sufficient institutional, technical, managerial, and financial capacity to prosper and endure. The question of interest to most businesses in California is how to pay for – or how to sustainably finance – the continuing demands for environmental protection. The information on financial resources for environmental projects contained in this document is intended to be a guide that will enable practitioners in the public and private sector to find the appropriate methods to pay for environmental protection efforts. It provides an overview on a wide range of funding programs available from federal and state agencies that are useful in paying for sustainable environmental business systems.
Environmental Financing Resources for California Businesses is divided into three sections -- federal, state, and private / nonprofit financial resource assistance. Both the federal and state sections provide information on loans, grants, and special funding programs. In addition, the state financial resource section provides information on bonds and tax exemptions / credits as well as financial services available to California businesses. The private / nonprofit financial resource assistance section provides information on loan programs and initiatives, and electrical utility's discounts and incentives, and financial and technical services. Each program is briefly described and contact information is provided for further reference.
Loans
A loan is the temporary provision of a specific amount of funds up-front for an expenditure that must be repaid with interest in a set amount of time. The rate of interest is either established prior to the loan or determined through negotiations. Private loan programs provide capital funds to a variety of recipients for a wide variety of purposes and projects within the range of market interest rates. Typically, larger and / or more financially secure customers receive the best interest rates. Federal and state government loan programs usually provide capital funds to select numbers of public bodies and private nonprofit entities, or private businesses. These funds are made available at subsidized (lower than market) rates for projects that must meet the particular program's specific eligibility criteria. Many government loan programs are specifically targeted to (or have some portion of their criteria targeted to) small, economically distressed, and / or rural communities and businesses, since such entities often need assistance in acquiring operating capital.
Advantages
Federal and state loan programs frequently provide loans at lower interest rates than those that are available for bond financing on private capital markets. In addition, arranging a loan may be a quicker means of acquiring capital than issuing bonds, and usually involves fewer transaction costs. Smaller and economically disadvantaged businesses may find arranging loans easier than issuing bonds to acquire needed capital.
Limitations
Subsidized loan programs are subject to the availability of funds and it may be difficult for some loan candidates to meet eligibility criteria even for low-interest loans. Commercial loan programs on the other hand will generally have higher interest rates than most states and localities could command for bond issues.
Grants
A grant is a sum of money awarded to a state or local government or nonprofit organization. Typically, grants are awarded by the federal government to state or local governments, or by states to local money represents a transfer payment from one organization to another for a purpose deemed necessary or desirable by the awarding organization.
Advantages
The primary advantage of grants is that state and local governments and other eligible recipients do not have to use their own resources (which they may or may not have) to pay the specific eligible costs that the grants cover. In cases where grant recipients do not have the needed resources, grants allow them to pursue additional activities. And, in cases where they have adequate resources, grants make it possible for recipients to pursue additional activities or to forgo expenditures entirely. Grants can be highly equitable when they address affordability concerns and can leverage additional resources through matching funds.
Limitations
Applying for grants can be costly, time-consuming, and problematical. It requires trained staff members on the part of the grantee to determine grant opportunities, and to submit detailed grant applications. These grant applications can often take months for the awarding organizations to process and award. Even then, due to the intense competition at both the state and local levels for the limited pool of grant funds, state and local governments and other recipients may find it increasingly difficult to acquire funding for many projects. In addition, due to grant eligibility limitations, only a percentage of the total project costs may be eligible for project assistance. Obtaining matching funds, often ranging from 5 to 50 percent, may be difficult. Even when grant funding is approved, the grantee may need to seek short-term debt instruments to cover cash shortages while awaiting the arrival of the funds. Moreover, grant funds often have conditions that affect the scope, intent, nature, or cost of the project or program in question. For example, U.S. EPA Section 105 grants are negotiated grant agreements which obligate state air programs to use the funds to perform certain activities that may or may not coincide with the state's own priorities for its air program. Certain grant conditions, such as mandatory grant reviews and production of detailed reports, may increase the overall cost of the project. Most federal grants also require that grantees must comply with other federal laws and regulations regarding a range of factors such as wage rates, anti-discrimination, and environmental requirements.
Acknowledgments
This financial assistance resources document and any future updates will remain as final drafts. The reason for this is not the lack of information necessary to ensure its completion: quite the contrary, in pulling together this extraordinary amount of material, staff found that there is so much activity regarding new financing options that by press time there were already more financing tools available. To the end of providing the most up-to-date and comprehensive resource available, we encourage readers to send us their suggestions for new tools to be included, and to keep of apprised any changes or additions to those already listed.
FEDERAL FINANCIAL RESOURCES --
LOAN PROGRAMS
U.S. Small Business Administration
Small Business Administration (SBA) programs promote small business formation and growth through loans to qualified applicants. Loans can fund the varied needs of small businesses when necessary financing is unavailable, on reasonable terms, through normal lending channels. Private lenders, usually banks, make loans that are guaranteed up to 90 percent by the SBA. The borrower makes loan payments to the lender. There are several types of SBA loans designed to fill different businesses' special needs.
Who do I contact?
The SBA has offices located around the country. For the one nearest you, consult the U.S. Government section of your telephone directory, call the Small Business Answer Desk at (800) U-ASK-SBA (827-5722), or check the Internet site at http://www.sbaonline.sba.gov.
SBA 7(a) LOAN PROGRAM
Description:
SBA 7(a) financing is the most frequently used SBA loan program.
Guaranteed loans are made and disbursed by private lenders
and guaranteed by SBA. Loans may be made for any business purpose.
Examples include working capital, purchase
of equipment and other assets, or purchase of land and buildings.
Amount of Loan:
A private lender makes the loan; the SBA will guarantee payment up to
80 percent for loans of $100,000, and 75 percent for
loans of $750,000.
Use of Funds:
Purchase of land and improvements. Purchase of existing buildings and
improvements. Building construction and remodeling.
Purchase of machinery / equipment. Working capital. Inventory purchase.
Business buy-outs.
Maturity:
Land and building -- 25 years.
Machinery / equipment -- 10 years.
Working capital -- 5 to 7 years.
Collateral:
Deeds of trust, mortgages on land and buildings acquired, liens on
machinery, equipment and fixtures acquired,
lease assignment, personal guarantees.
Eligibility:
The business generally must be operated for profit and fall within size
standards set by the SBA.
SBA 504 CERTIFIED DEVELOPMENT COMPANY LOAN PROGRAM
Description:
This loan is for commercial real estate construction and / or
commercial real estate loan refinancing programs
with the SBA, borrower, SBA participating bank and /
or a Certified Development Corporation.
Amount of Loan:
Maximum amount is $750,000 -- minimum is $50,000.
Use of Funds:
Funds can be used for land acquisition, purchase of existing buildings,
construction, renovation and restoration,
and purchase of machinery / equipment.
Maturity:
Land and buildings -- 10 to 20 years.
Eligibility:
The business generally must be operated for profit and fall within size
standards set by the SBA.
SBA LOW DOCUMENTATION (Low Doc) LOAN PROGRAM
Description:
The SBA LowDoc program focuses on the character, credit, and
reliability of applicants. No predetermined percentage
of equity will be required, nor is lack of collateral a
determining factor. LowDoc reduces the paperwork involved
in loan applications. The SBA uses a one-page application and relies on
the strength of the individual applicant's
character and credit history.
Amount of Loan:
SBA guarantee is 80 percent for loans of $100,000 or less.
Use of Funds:
Expand or modernize facilities. Purchase of machinery and equipment.
Finance permanent working capital. Purchase
of an existing building. Purchase of land and construction of
building. Acquire an existing business. Start-up
a new business venture.
Maturity:
Working capital loans -- 5 to 7 years.
Fixed assets -- 5 to 10 years.
Real estate acquisitions -- 25 years.
Eligibility:
Small businesses.
EXPORT REVOLVING LINE OF CREDIT LOAN (ERLC)
Description:
The SBA's ERLC provides funds for the manufacturing or purchase of
goods or services for export purposes, or for
the purpose of penetrating and developing foreign markets. The
program guarantees repayment to a lender in
the event an exporter defaults. By reducing a lender's risks,
the ERLC provides an incentive for lender's
to finance small business exporters' working capital needs.
Amount of Loan:
A private lender makes the loan; the SBA will guarantee payment up to
80 percent for loans of $100,000, and 75 percent for
all other loans, subject to the $750,000 maximum guarantee amount.
Use of Funds:
Loan proceeds can be used to finance labor and materials needed for
manufacturing, purchase goods or services for export,
develop foreign markets, and finance foreign accounts receivable.
Maturity:
ERLC loan maturity is based on the applicant's business cycle, but
cannot exceed 36 months.
Collateral:
Collateral may include accounts receivable, inventory assignment of
contract proceeds and bank letters of credit.
Only collateral under the jurisdiction of U.S. courts will be
acceptable.
Eligibility:
Manufacturers, wholesalers, and export management companies, and export
trading companies that have been in operation
(not necessarily in exporting) for at least one year prior to filing an
application.
CAPLINE PROGRAM - REVOLVING LINE OF CREDIT
Description:
CapLine (formerly known as Greenline), is intended to help eligible
small businesses to obtain a dependable commitment for
credit that can meet their short-term financing needs over an
established period of time. It is available to small
businesses that are unable to obtain revolving lines of credit without
guaranty supports and that show the ability
to comply with the servicing requirements of this program. It
is intended to finance the cash cycle of qualified
small businesses by advancing funds against the value of their existing
inventory and accounts receivable.
Amount of Loan:
SBA guarantee is 80 percent for loans of $100,000. There is no maximum
loan amount. However, SBA's maximum guarantee
cannot exceed $750,000 or 75 percent of the loan amount, whichever is
less.
Use of Funds:
Operating capital, inventory, and consolidation of short-term debt.
Maturity:
Up to 5 years.
Eligibility:
A business must operate for profit and meet SBA size standards.
MINORITY PREQUALIFICATION PILOT LOAN PROGRAM
Description:
The Minority Prequalification Loan Program helps eligible small
businesses access capital through the coordinated
efforts of both the public and private sectors. The program
uses local, private sector organizations as intermediaries
to assist in the loan process. A prospective borrower works with the
intermediary to develop a viable loan application.
The application is then submitted directly to the SBA for expedited
consideration of a loan pre-qualification.
On approval, the intermediary can assist the applicant in locating a
competitive lender.
Amount of Loan:
Generally, the program is for loan requests of $250,000 or less; some
SBA offices, however, have established other
local limitations.
Use of Funds:
Purchase of land and improvements. Purchase of existing buildings and
improvements. Building construction. Building
remodeling. Purchase machinery / equipment. Working capital. Inventory
purchase. Business buy-outs.
Maturity:
Land and building -- 25 years.
Machinery and equipment -- 10 years.
Working capital -- 5 to 7 years.
Collateral:
Deeds of trust, mortgage on land and buildings acquired, liens on
machinery, equipment and fixtures acquired, lease
assignment, personal guarantees. As with all 7(a) loan programs, loans
will not be declined where inadequate collateral
is the only unfavorable factor. All owners of 20 percent or more of the
business are required to personally guarantee
the note.
Eligibility:
The business generally must be operated for profit and fall within size
standards set by the SBA.
EXPORT WORKING CAPITAL PROGRAM (EWCP)
Description:
The Export Working Capital Program (EWCP) was designed to provide
short-term working capital to exporters. The
EWCP is a combined effort of the Small Business Administration and the
Export-Import Bank. The two agencies have
joined their working capital programs to offer a unified approach to
the government's support of export financing.
The EWCP uses a one-page application form and streamlined documentation
with turnaround usually 10 days or less.
A letter of pre-qualification is also available from the SBA.
Amount of Loan:
Loan requests of $833,333 or less are processed by the SBA. Loan
requests over $833,333 may be processed through the
Export-Import Bank.
Eligibility:
A small business operating for profit in the United states.
Use of Funds:
The proceeds can be used to finance the working capital needs
associated with a single or multiple transactions
of the exporter.
Interest Rates:
Negotiated between the applicant and the lender.
Maturity:
A maximum of 18 months for a single transaction. Typically 12 months
for a revolving line of credit.
HANDICAPPED ASSISTANCE LOAN (HAL)
Description:
Provide financial assistance to federal, state, or private
organizations that are operated in the interests of
physically challenged individuals. Loans are in two categories.
HAL-1: Financial assistance is available to public
or private nonprofit sheltered workshops, or any similar
organization.
HAL-2: Assistance is available to finance a small
business owned by a physically challenged person.
Amount of Loan:
The SBA may guarantee up to $500,000 of private lender loans; direct
loans are limited to $150,000.
Use of Funds:
Loans under this program are available for the establishment,
acquisition, or operation of a small business concern.
Eligibility:
Public agencies, private or nonprofit organizations, and physically
challenged individuals.
Other Types of SBA Loans:
DEFENSE LOAN AND TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE (DELTA) PROGRAM
The SBA has established the DELTA program on a pilot project basis. DELTA is a joint SBA / Department of Defense loan program, administered by the SBA. SBA will process, guarantee, and service DELTA loans. DELTA assists small businesses that are dependent on defense contracts (as prime or subcontractors) and are adversely affected by defense spending reductions.
SMALL LOAN PROGRAM
CONTRACT LOAN PROGRAM
ENERGY AND CONSERVATION LOAN PROGRAM
SMALL GENERAL CONTRACTOR LOANS
POLLUTION CONTROL
LOANS
RURAL ECONOMIC AND COMMUNITY
DEVELOPMENT (RECD) LOAN PROGRAM -- BUSINESS AND INDUSTRY GUARANTEED
LOANS
(U.S. Department of Agriculture)
Description:
Encourages commercial financing of rural businesses by creating and
saving rural jobs and improving the economic
and environmental climate of rural communities.
Amount of Loan:
No minimum, but typically beginning at the SBA maximum of $500,000, up
to $10 million. Federal guarantees:
90 percent (maximum)
guarantee on loans up to $2 million; 80 percent (maximum) guarantee on
loans of $2-5 million; 70 percent (maximum)
guarantee on loans of $5-10 million.
Use of Funds:
Real estate, buildings, construction, repair, modernization, equipment,
inventory, supplies, and working capital.
Maturity:
Working capital -- 7 years maximum.
Equipment --15 years maximum.
Real estate -- 30 years maximum.
Eligibility:
Most types of businesses are eligible. Project must be in a rural area.
Contact:
Administered in California by the RECD (formerly known as Farmers Home
Administration). For more information visit the
Internet sites at http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/ca/
(California information).
FEDERAL FINANCIAL RESOURCES --
GRANT PROGRAMS
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANTS
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)
Description:
Community Development Block Grants are given by HUD to local
communities to create local jobs and housing, primarily for
low- and middle-income residents. While smaller cities may use CDBG
funds to directly finance specific projects,
larger cities typically use them to capitalize revolving loan funds to
provide low-interest subordinated mortgage
loans to businesses. Revolving loan funds give communities the
flexibility of making smaller loans to a larger
number of projects.
Amount of Loan:
Variable.
Level of Funding:
Funds are available through local communities. Terms of the loans vary
from one jurisdiction to another.
Eligibility:
Units of local governments in counties and cities are eligible. Special
districts, nonprofit organizations, and
businesses may apply for funds through those jurisdictions.
Contact:
Barbara Neal at (202) 708-1577 or visit the Housing and Urban
Development Website at http://www.hud.gov
SMALL BUSINESS
INNOVATION RESEARCH GRANT
(U.S. Small Business Administration)
Description:
The SBA's Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program was
established under the Small Business Innovation
Development Act of 1982. This program allows small businesses to
compete for federal research and development grant awards,
which are used to stimulate commercialization of successful technology.
The SBIR program is available nationwide,
as well as in Puerto Rico and the District of Columbia. The SBA
publishes the SBIR Pre-Solicitation Announcement
(PSA) quarterly. For the convenience of small business concerns, the
SBA makes SBIR program information available
to small business concerns on the first day of each quarter. The
program involves three phases:
Phase I:
Evaluate the scientific technical merit and feasibility of an idea.
Awards are for periods of up to six months, in amounts up to
$70,000.
Phase II:
Expand on the results of and further pursue the development of Phase
I. Awards are for periods of up to two years, in amounts up to
$250,000.
Phase III:
Commercialization of the results of Phase II. Requires the use of
private or non-SBIR federal funding.
Eligibility:
For-profit businesses with a place of business located in the United
States and with 500 or fewer employees.
Contact:
For more information on the SBIR program call 1(800) 490-9194 or visit
the following Website at http://www.sba.gov/SBIR/sbir.html. - Link Expired
(SBIR Program Information).
You can also contact other federal agencies that participate in the SBIR program. Each agency administers its own program, and establishes its own themes or priorities for project funding. Check the listing below for participating federal agencies.
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Department of Agriculture |
(202) 401-4002 |
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Department of Defense |
(703) 697-1481 |
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Department of Education |
(202) 219-2050 |
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Department of Energy |
(301) 903-3054 |
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Department of Health and Human Services |
(202) 690-7300 |
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Department of Transportation |
(617) 494-2051 |
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Environmental Protection Agency |
(415) 744-1148 |
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National Aeronautics and Space Administration |
(202) 358-0691 |
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National Science Foundation |
(202) 653-5002 |
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Nuclear Regulatory Commission |
(301) 429-3625 |
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SMALL BUSINESS
INNOVATION RESEARCH PROGRAM
(U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Program
Description:
The U.S. EPA, under its Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR)
program provides research and development contracts
to small businesses to sponsor and promote highly innovative pollution
control and prevention projects.
Amount of Grant:
This is a competitive federal award program consisting of three
distinct phases. Awards in Phase I are for periods
of up to six months, in amounts up to
$65,000. Awards in Phase II are for periods of up to two years,
in amounts up to $220,000. Funding for Phase III
requires the use of private or non-SBIR federal funding.
Eligibility:
Small businesses.
Contact:
Small Business Hotline 1-800-490-9194 or visit their Website at http://es.epa.gov/ncerqa.sbir/ - Link Expired
NATIONAL INDUSTRIAL
COMPETITIVENESS THROUGH ENERGY, ENIVIRONMENT, AND ECONOMICS
(NICE3)
(U.S. Department of Energy Program)
Description:
NICE3 is an innovative, cost-sharing grant program that encourages
industries to use waste productively or reduce
industrial waste at its source. The goal of NICE3 is to help industry
increase its bottom line, enhance industrial
competitiveness, save energy and prevent pollution.
Amount of Grant:
$5,800,000 in matching grants was offered in 1995, with an average
amount per grant of $400,000. Dollar-for-dollar
matching funds are required.
Level of Funding:
Funding is awarded via program and general competitions through various
state energy departments.
Eligibility:
All states and territories.
Contact:
For more information call (916) 654-4554 or visit their Website at
http://www.oit.doe.gov/nice3/ - link expired
NATIONAL INSTITUTE
OF STANDARDS AND TECHNOLOGY -- ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY PROGRAM
(U.S. Department of Commerce Program)
National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) is interested in funding research and development projects that have strong commercial potential, but that have attracted little private investment. NIST is redirecting federal research and development funding from military to civilian applications. This effort may provide funding opportunities to some recycling businesses, particularly makers of recycled products.
Description:
The Advanced Technology Program (ATP) partners with industry to provide
partial funding supporting development
of technologies that have potential for stimulating U.S.
economic growth. The ATP concentrates on promising,
but high-risk, enabling technologies that can form the basis for new
and improved products, manufacturing processes,
and services. Specific research and development (R&D) projects
are selected from proposals developed and submitted
by industry. All awards are made through announced competitions. The
ATP provides multiyear funding to single companies
and to industry-led joint ventures to pursue R&D projects with
high payoff potential for the nation.
Amount of Grant:
Businesses can receive up to $2 million of ATP funds for up to three
years. Businesses do not have to provide matching
funds, but are reimbursed for direct cost only. Joint ventures can be
funded for up to five years, with no funding
limit. Joint venture businesses must also share costs, in
matching funds.
Level of Funding:
Funding is awarded via program and general competitions that are
announced in the Commerce Business Daily
and on the NIST Internet site.
Eligibility:
Small, medium, and large for-profit companies and joint ventures led by
two or more companies are eligible for
direct funding. Successful ATP project sponsors range in size from
start-up companies with a handful of employees
to major industrial firms with international scope. Universities,
federal laboratories, and nonprofit independent
research organizations participate in many ATP projects, but as
subcontractors or as members of joint ventures
(nonprofit independent research organizations may administer joint
ventures). Small and large businesses are eligible.
Single companies and joint ventures consisting of two or more companies
may apply.
Contact:
(800) ATP-FUND -- (800) 287-3863 or visit their Website at http://www.atp.nist.gov/
STATE ENERGY PROGRAM
(U.S. Department of Energy Program)
Description:
The U.S. DOE allocates funds to states under the State Energy Program (SEP). These special awards go to state energy agencies (i.e. the California Energy Commission) for a variety of projects which promote the conservation of energy. The ICTC has been successful in securing $850,000 in SEP awards over the last three fiscal years to assist with the development of seven of nine fueling stations.
Level of Funding:
$2,200,000 was allocated for alternative fuel projects in 1999.
Proposal due:
Proposals are due at DOE Headquarters.
Contact:
For more information call: Ernie Rios (510) 637-1950 or Gail Mc Kinley
(202) 586-2320.
STATE FINANCIAL RESOURCES --
LOAN PROGRAMS
CALIFORNIA CAPITAL
ACCESS PROGRAM (CalCAP)
(California Treasurer's Office Program)
Description:
Provides loan portfolio insurance for banks to encourage banks to make
loans to small businesses that carry higher-than-conventional
lending risk. CalCAP is available through banks statewide. Lenders set
all the terms and conditions of the
loans and decide which loans to enroll into CalCAP.
Amount of Loan:
The maximum loan amount is $2.5 million. The maximum premium CPCFA will
pay is $100,000 (per loan). Term loans and
lines of credit for the acquisition of land, construction or renovation
of buildings, and purchase of equipment
and inventory.
Eligibility:
The business must be classified as a small business under U.S. Small
Business Administration guidelines or have
fewer than 500 employees.
Eligible lenders:
Any federal or state-chartered bank, savings association or credit
union is eligible to participate in CalCAP.
Contact:
California Pollution Control Financing Authority
915 Capitol Mall, Room 466
Sacramento, CA 95814
(916) 654–5610
CPCFA
SMALL BUSINESS ENERGY
LOAN PROGRAM
(California Energy Commission)
Description:
The Small Business Energy Loan Program (SBELP) was established to fund
projects that demonstrate energy savings through
alternative energy technologies though low-interest loans.
Amount of Loan:
$5,000 to $150,000.
Maturity:
5 years.
Eligibility:
Small businesses manufacturing alternative, energy-saving hardware, or
desiring to use alternative technologies
to reduce their energy costs.
Contact:
Energy Commission1516 Ninth Street
Sacramento, CA 95814
(916) 654-4650
http://www.energy.ca.gov
STATE REVOLVING FUND
PROGRAM - NONPOINT SOURCE LOAN
(State Water Resources Control Board)
Description:
The State Revolving Fund provides loans to municipalities for
construction and administration of wastewater
treatment, wastewater
recycling, and nonpoint source pollution prevention projects.
Amount of Loan:
A maximum loan of $50 million per agency per year is available with a
20-year payback period.
Eligibility:
Projects may include construction / land development, road construction
and maintenance, grazing / dairies, abandoned mines,
abandoned waste disposal sites.
Contact:
Paul Roggensack
State Water Resources Control Board
(916) 657-0673
http://www.swrcb.ca.gov/rwqcb9/programs/units/grants/grants.html - link
expired
RECYCLING MARKET
DEVELOPMENT ZONE LOW-INTEREST LOAN PROGRAM
(California Integrated Waste Management Board)
Description:
California's 40 Recycling Market Development Zones (geographic areas)
offer a variety of incentives to recycling
businesses within the boundary areas. Incentives are offered by local
government, as well as by the Board and
each zone offers
its own unique package of incentives. The Board's loan program is
offered only to recycling-based businesses. Conventional
lenders sometimes hesitate to fund recycling-based manufacturing
because, in their view, it involves unproved technologies.
Amount of Loan:
Up to 50 percent of the project cost; maximum loan amount is $1,000,000.
Use of Funds:
Land, buildings, equipment, working capital, improvements that directly
support eligible businesses within
the zone.
Maturity:
10 years maximum term.
Eligibility:
Businesses that use post-consumer or secondary waste materials, and are
located within the boundaries of Recycling Market
Development Zones, may be eligible to apply for loans.
Contact:
Phone: (916) 255-1000
E-mail: rteam@ciwmb.ca.gov
Website: http://www.recycle.ca.gov/RMDZ/Loans/
STATE FINANCIAL RESOURCES --
GRANT PROGRAMS
USED OIL RESEARCH AND
DEMONSTRATIOIN PROGRAM GRANTS
(California Integrated Waste Management Board)
Description:
The California Oil Recycling Act authorizes the Board to issue various
types of grants to local governments, nonprofit
organizations and other entities to enhance the collection and
recycling of used lubricating oil. Under the act,
the Board collects four cents from oil manufacturers for every quart of
lubricating oil sold, transferred, or imported
into California. The Used Oil Research and Demonstration Grant Program
provides funding for research, testing,
or demonstration projects that develop collection technologies and / or
uses for recycled or used lubricating oil.
Amount of Grant:
Up to $300,000.
Level of Funding:
Program funding is based on the fee collected from oil manufacturers on
sales of lubricating oil. Funds remaining
after recycling incentive payments and other used oil grant awards are
made will be used to fund the grants. Businesses
must provide a matching contribution of cash, equipment, or in-kind
services of at least 25 percent, in addition
to the total funds requested (e.g., $100,000 grant request
requires a $25,000 matching contribution). Grantees
will be required to document that the matching contribution
was spent / supplied during the term of the grant.
Eligibility:
Individuals, companies, local governments, and nonprofit organizations
are eligible. Applicants must demonstrate
their ability to successfully conduct research, testing or
demonstration projects. Applications involving public
/ private or multijurisdictional partnerships are encouraged. Other
grants are offered by the Board's Used Oil
Program for local government and nonprofit organizations.
Contact:
For copies of the application package or additional information
regarding the grants, please contact
the Board's Used Oil Program.
Phone: (916) 255-2136
http://www.recycle.ca.gov/
CALIFORNIA TIRE
RECYCLING GRANT PROGRAM
(California Integrated Waste Management Board)
Description:
The Tire Recycling Grant Program is intended to divert tires from
disposal in California landfills by promoting
innovative research, fostering new business enterprises, and
supporting local government programs. Program
priorities and funding amounts are announced each
fall. Past grant cycles have focused on innovative
research, business development activities, and local
government programs that provide alternatives to landfill
disposal of tires and increase public
awareness of the waste tire problem in California. Grants
have been available to businesses, universities, and local
governments.
Level of Funding:
The California Tire Recycling Management Fund (Tire Fund) is funded by
a $0.25 fee collected on tires left
for disposal at a
dealer. The Board allocates funds annually based on availability and
changing program needs.
Availability:
Financial assistance opportunities are announced in the Notice of Funds
Available (NOFA) distributed annually
to local governments,
businesses, and Individuals on the Board's tire mailing list. (Call the
Board receptionist at (916) 255-2200
to be added to the mailing list.)
Eligibility:
Local governments, individuals, businesses, and organizations whose
objectives support waste tire diversion
and recycling in
California are eligible depending on program emphasis determined by the
Board annually. Eligible applicants must
propose projects that meet category requirements and criteria published
in the NOFA and application package.
Contact:
Tire Grants Hotline: (916) 255-2577
http://www.recycle.ca.gov/
RECYCLING, PUBLIC
EDUCATION, AND LITTER REDUCTIOIN GRANT PROGRAM
(California Department of Education)
Description:
The California Beverage Container Recycling and Litter Reduction Act
requires the California Department of Conservation
(DOC) to annually expend $2 million, subject to available funds, in the
form of grants to nonprofit organizations
and government entities.
Use of Grant:
Collection, community outreach, education, litter reduction, and market
development.
Eligibility:
Nonprofit organizations and government entities can apply for the
grant. Projects must be related to, or provide
a public benefit related to, collection, community
outreach, education, litter reduction, and market
development.
Contact:
Christy Birkinshaw
Department of Conservation, Division of Recycling
Local Assistance Section
801 K Street, MS 20-21
Sacramento, CA 95814-3530
(916) 322-0613
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
BLOCK GRANT (CDBG) PROGRAM
(California Department of Housing and Community
Development)
Description:
The program is authorized by the Housing and Community Development Act
of 1974. Grants are awarded, on a competitive
basis, to local governments for eligible activities including planning,
public service, construction and rehabilitation
of housing and public facilities, and infrastructure improvements.
Grantees can make loans to businesses, individuals,
or nonprofits.
Use of Funds:
Federal funds are made available, via the State, in most cities with
populations under 50,000 and in counties
with under 200,000.
Cities and counties may, in turn, convert grant funds into business
loans. Other uses include infrastructure, working
capital, purchase of equipment, land acquisition and improvements, and
purchase of buildings.
Eligibility:
Businesses, individuals, or nonprofits via loans from units of local
government that do not participate in the
Urban County CDBG Program.
Contact:
California Department of Housing and
Community Development
Block Grant Division
1800 Third Street
Sacramento, CA 95814
(916) 445-6000
STATE FINANCIAL RESOURCES --
BOND PROGRAMS
CALIFORNIA POLLUTION CONTROL
FINANCING AUTHORITY (CPCFA) LARGE BUSINESS POLLUTION CONTROL TAX
EXEMPT BOND PROGRAM
(California Treasurer's Office)
Description:
Provides bond financing to California businesses, regardless of company
size, for the acquisition, construction,
or installation of qualified pollution control, waste
disposal, and resource recovery facilities.
Contact:
California Pollution Control Financing Authority
915 Capitol Mall, Room 457
Sacramento, CA 95814
(916) 654-5610
http://www.treasurer.ca.gov/cpcfa.htm
CPCFA SMALL BUSINESS
POLLUTION CONTROL TAX EXEMPT BOND PROGRAM
(California Treasurer's Office)
Description:
Provides bond financing to small businesses for the acquisition,
construction, or installation of qualified pollution
control, waste disposal, and resource recovery facilities.
CPCFA may also provide a grant to partially offset
the costs of issuance.
Contact:
California Pollution Control Financing Authority
Attention: SBAF Program Manager
915 Capitol Mall, Room 457
Sacramento, CA 95814
(916) 654-5610
http://www.treasurer.ca.gov/smallbus.htm
CALIFORNIA INDUSTRIAL
DEVELOPMENT FINANCING ADVISORY COMMISSION (CIDFAC) INDUSTRIAL
DEVELOPMENT BONDS
(California Treasurer's Office)
Description:
The CIDFAC provides manufacturers in California with an alternative,
low-cost source of funds to finance capital
expenditures that will, in turn, increase employment or contribute to
economic development. The program allows
a business to borrow funds at competitive rates through the
issuance of tax-exempt bonds enhanced by a letter
of credit. Before CIDFAC will consider approval of a local
bond issue, a business must receive approval by
the local authority, the city, and the county where the
project will be located. These agencies determine
public benefit or verify that one new job will be for every
$50,000 borrowed from bond funds.
Amount of Bond:
The maximum face amount of an IDB issue is $10 million per applicant
per public jurisdiction.
Use of Funds:
The funds can be used to acquire land, buildings and equipment,
machinery and furnishings, or for landscaping,
cost of architects, engineers, attorneys and permits,
and the cost of bond issuance.
Eligibility:
Industrial projects for assembling, fabrication, manufacturing, or
processing that creates a product for resale.
Projects for energy development, production,
collection, or conversion. As well as projects that manufacture
or process recycled or reused products and materials.
Contact:
CIDFAC
915 Capitol Mall, Room 466
Sacramento, CA 95814
(916) 654-5610
http://www.treasurer.ca.gov/cidfac/idbenergy.asp - LINK EXPIRED
STATE FINANCIAL RESOURCES --
SPECIAL PROGRAMS
RICE STRAW DEMONSTRATION FUND
(California Air Resources Board)
Description:
The 1997 amendments to Rice Straw Burning Reduction Act of 1991 created
the Rice Straw Demonstration Project Fund
to provide incentives for the development of commercial uses for rice
straw.
Level of Funding:
The Legislature allocated $5 million for this two-year project. The
fund provides grants of up to 50 percent
for projects which
utilize significant amounts of Sacramento Valley rice straw.
Contact:
Lesha Hrynchuk
Air Resources Board,
Technical Services Division
2020 L Street, P.O. Box 2815
Sacramento, CA 95814
(916) 322-7297
E-mail: ricefund@arb.ca.gov
http://www.arb.ca.gov/smp/rice/ricefund
THE CARL MOYER MEMORIAL
AIR QUALITY STANDARDS ATTAINMENT PROGRAM
(California Air Resources Board)
Description:
The Moyer Program was the result of the effort in 1998 to pass AB 1368
(Villaraigosa) and SB 1857 (Brulte), which was passed
but was then vetoed by Governor Wilson. The legislation provided
incentives for operators of heavy-duty on- and
off-road vehicles and equipment to purchase new low-emission vehicles
and retrofit existing vehicles with
low-emission technologies. During budget negotiations, however, $25
million was approved for the implementation
of the program. The Air Resources Board is currently developing
criteria for the implementation of the Moyer
program. The draft program outline has the ARB matching funding from
local air districts on a
$2 for $1 basis. Thus,
if every air district in the state submits applications for Moyer
program funding, a total
of $37.5 million will be
available for HDV deployment projects.
Level of Funding:
$25 million from CARB, $12.5 million match from local air districts for
a total of $37.5 million.
Proposal Due:
Air Resources Board. All state funds must be distributed to local Air
Districts. Up to local air districts to
determine local program
criteria.
Contact:
Jack Kitowski
Air Resources Board
2020 L Street, P.O. Box 2815
Sacramento, CA 95814
(916) 323-6169
CALIFORNIA AIR DISTRICT
WORKING GROUP EMISSION REDUCTION PROGRAM
(California Air Resources Board)
Description:
Most air districts have funding mechanism for Alternative Fuel Vehicle
projects, including moneys from the vehicle
registration surcharge in non-attainment areas. In mid-1996, a process
was initiated to increase the level of coordination
between local Air Pollution Districts on heavy-duty vehicle programs.
Participating agencies are developing
a program criteria to jointly fund projects involving fleets which
operate between air districts.
Participants have indicated
that an expedited funding mechanism would be preferred (similar to the
Sacramento and San Joaquin Valley programs),
where proposals for the program will be accepted on an
on-going basis until all funds are allocated.
Level of Funding:
Possible participation from a number of air districts, including
Sacramento, South Coast and San Joaquin,
as well as the CEC
and CARB.
Proposal Due:
n/a.
Contact:
Bill Lovelace
Air Resources Board
2020 L Street, P.O. Box 2815
Sacramento, CA 95814
(916) 327-7214
INNOVATIVE CLEAN AIR
TECHNOLOGIES (ICAT) PROGRAM
(California Air Resources Board)
Description:
The Innovative Clean Air Technologies (ICAT) program, established by
the California Air Resources Board
(ALRB), will co-fund
the development and demonstration of technologies that reduce air
pollution. The ARB issues is an ICAT
request for proposals (RFP) once each fiscal year.
Level of Funding:
Approximately $1 million is available for this program annually. The
maximum ICAT funding for each project
is $500,000.
Eligibility:
To be eligible for ICAT funding, the project must be technically
feasible, reduce air pollution, have good market
potential, have potential for job creation in California, and
meet administrative requirements such as matching
funds and the minority, women, and disabled veteran
requirement.
Contact:
The RFP release date will be announced in the State Contracts Register
or you may contact:
California Air Resources Board
Research Division -- Innovative Clean Air Technologies
2020 L Street
Sacramento, CA 95814
(916) 323-1067
AIR QUALITY ASSISTANCE
FUND
(South Coast Air Quality Management District)
Description:
The AQF was established to increase the availability of financial
assistance to small businesses for the purpose
of complying with SCAQMD's air quality regulations. The AQAF is
operated as a revolving fund and provides loan
guarantees. Legislation establishing the fund sunsets January 1, 1999.
The SCAQMD Board is currently evaluating
the continuance the AQAF without the legislation.
Level of Funding:
$1.2 million is available for use for use.
Contact:
Lupe Valdez
(909) 396-3780 or
SCAQMD (909) 396-2000 (General Information)
AIR QUALITY INVESTMENT
PROGRAM
(South Coast Air Quality Management District)
Description:
The AQIP is a fund created by the South Coast Air Quality Management
District which allows employers in the South Coast
Air Basin to invest annually into a District administered restricted
fund rather than implement any other program
to meet employers emission reduction targets. The objective of the
program is to reduce equivalent emissions to those
which the employer would have to meet through the implementation of
otherwise required indirect source control
programs. Projects must demonstrate cost-effective emission reductions.
Level of Funding:
Amount is set at $158,000 plus roll over money from the previous
quarter.
Contact:
Shashi Singeetha
(909) 396-3298 or
SCAQMD (909) 396-2000 (General Information)
AB 2766, DISCRETIONARY
FUNDS
(South Coast Air Quality Management District)
Description:
Thirty percent of funds collected each year from a $4 surcharge on
vehicle registration created by AB 2766 (Sher)
goes to the Mobile Source Air Pollution Reduction
Review Committee (MSRC) to be used to implement programs
to reduce mobile source emissions. Managers of the program
have apportioned the available funding into several
technology specific categories, including: heavy-duty vehicle; zero
emission / ultra-low emission vehicle; local
city match; research, development & demonstration of
advanced low-emission transportation technologies;
transportation control measures; and intelligent transportation systems
components. In FY 1998 / 99 the MSRC nearly
doubled its initial allocation of $7.5 million for heavy-duty
vehicle projects after the program was over
subscribed. The program for FY 1999 / 00 is still under
development, but preliminary indications is that the
MSRC will allocate $11 million and seek an $8 million
match from the Moyer Fund (see below).
Level of Funding:
Tentatively $ 11 million for Heavy-Duty Vehicle projects (trucks and
buses) with an additional $8 million from
the state, for a total program of $19 million.
Proposal Due:
n/a
Contact:
Ray Gorski
(909) 396-2479 or
SCAQMD (909) 396-2000 (General Information)
AB 2766, SUBVENTION FUNDS
(South Coast Air Quality Management District)
Description:
Forty percent of AB 2766 funds collected go to local governments on a
pro-rated basis to reduce mobile source emissions.
Many local governments do not have the expertise necessary to develop
and i mplement these programs, so funds
often go unprogrammed for several years. While these funds are used
primarily by municipalities themselves for projects
which reduce mobile source emissions, these monies can be allocated by
the city for public private partnerships
to jointly pursue AFV projects. Funds not expended carry over from year
to year.
Level of Funding:
Local governments in Southern California receive $ 16 million annually
(not including unused monies from
previous years).
Proposal Due:
Dependent on local governments.
Contact:
Kathryn Higgins
(909) 396-3309
(The SCAQMD Public Advisor's Office has information about the
subvention fund activities of local cities
and counties.)
TECHNOLOGY ADVANCEMENT
OFFICE
(South Coast Air Quality Management District)
Description:
The Technology Advancement Office (TAO) of the SCAQMD provides funding
for RD&D projects to commercialize advanced
low-emission transportation technologies.
Level of Funding:
Approximately $8 million annually. Next round of funding has not yet
been determined.
Proposal Due:
Next round of funding has not yet been determined.
Contact:
Cindy Sullivan
(909) 396-3249 or
SCAQMD (909) 396-2000 (General Information)
HEAVY-DUTY MOTOR
VEHICLE EMISSION REDUCTIION INCENTIVE PROGRAM
(San Joaquin Valley Unified Air Pollution control
District)
Description:
Forty percent of AB 2766 funds collected go to local governments on a
pro-rated basis to reduce mobile source emissions.
Many local governments do not have the expertise necessary to develop
and implement these programs, so funds
often go unprogrammed for several years. While these funds are used
primarily by municipalities themselves for projects
which reduce mobile source emissions, these monies can be allocated by
the city for public private partnerships
to jointly pursue AFV projects. Funds not expended carry over from year
to year. $1.5 million is available until
program funds are exhausted.
Level of Funding:
$1.5 million is available until program funds are exhausted.
Proposal Due:
Applications will be accepted until all funding has been allocated.
Contact:
Jeff Findley
(559) 230-5800
ON-ROAD LOW-EMISSION
HEAVY-DUTY VEHICLE INCENTIVE PROGRAM
(Sacramento Metropolitan Air Quality Management
District)
Description:
The Sacramento Metropolitan AQMD does not use an RFP cycle to allocate
moneys received from a $4 vehicle registration
surcharge. Instead, the Air District accepts proposals for discrete
emission reduction programs (including the On-Road
Low-Emission HDV Program) on an on-going basis until all funds are
allocated.
Level of Funding:
Approximately $200,000.
Proposal Due:
Accepted on an on-going basis.
Contact:
Tom Swenson
(916) 874-4889
INTEGRATED PEST
MANAGEMENT PROGRAM
(Department of Pesticide Regulation)
Description:
The program intends to provide support for groups of innovators to work
with university researchers,
private industry, and consultants
to set up demonstration projects of new integrated pest management
systems.
Level of Funding:
Awards range from approximately $10,000 to $30,000 per year.
Contact:
Department of Pesticide Regulation
Environmental Monitoring and Pest Management
1020 N Street, Room 161
Sacramento, CA 95814-5624
(916) 324-4100
http://www.cdpr.ca.gov
ALTERNATIVE FUELS
INFRASTRUCTURE DEMONSTRATION PROGRAM
(California Energy Commission)
Description:
The Alternative Fuels Infrastructure Demonstration Program provides
funds to support infrastructure needs for AFV's. Fuels
under consideration include: methanol, ethanol, liquefied natural gas
and / or compressed natural gas.
Level of Funding:
Uncertain at this time.
Contact:
Lilly Ghaffari
Energy Commission
1516 Ninth Street
Sacramento, CA 95814
(916) 654-4650
http://www.energy.ca.gov
STATE FINANCIAL RESOURCES --
BUSINESS SERVICES
CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
Cal/EPA, created in 1991, is responsible for coordinating and prioritizing the State's efforts to protect the environment Cal/EPA emphasizes environmental regulation that is clear, understandable, and uniform. The specific goals of Cal/EPA are to:
- Preserve California's environmental standards while
reforming and simplifying the complex
permitting process;
- Set risk-based priorities using the best, most consistent
science available;
- Prevent pollution from being created, rather than
attempting to control it after the fact;
- View environmental protection and economic progress as
complimentary goals;
- Provide vigorous and fair enforcement of the law, not only
for public protection, but also
to assure that law-abiding businesses
are not undercut by unscrupulous competitors; and
- Open regulatory process for public participation.
Specific financial assistance for environmental programs are
available through the following boards, departments
or divisions under its jurisdiction.
ENTERPRISE ZONE PROGRAM
Description:
California's Enterprise Zone program, an innovative partnership between
the State, local government, and the private sector,
spurs business development in 34 designated areas through special zone
incentives. Incentives
may include:
- Up to 100 percent net operating loss (NOL) carry-forward.
NOL may be carried forward 15 years.
- Firms can earn $26,000 or more in State tax credits for
each qualified employee hired. Corporations can
earn sales tax credits on purchases of $20 million
per year for qualified machinery and machinery parts
.
- Up-front expending of certain depreciable property. Lenders
to zone businesses may receive a net interest deduction.
- Unused tax credits can be applied to future tax year,
stretching out the benefit of the initial investment.
- Enterprise zone companies can earn preference points on State contracts. Local enterprise zone communities may also offer local incentives such as reduced local permit fees, expedited processing of plans and permits, reduced utility rates, and low interest revolving loans.
Eligibility:
Companies located in enterprise zones.
Contact:
Visit their Website at http://www.caez.org
OFFICE OF SMALL
BUSINESS CERTIFICATION & RESOURCES
(California Department of General Services)
This office issues the "small business certification" necessary to obtain a bidding preference in state contracts. Once a small business certification letter is issued, the business also receives a prompt payment rubber stamp that alerts state agencies that this business is a certified small business and is entitled to prompt payment under state laws. If payment is not received by the certified small business within 30 days of receipt of the invoice, the business is entitled to a late payment penalty from the state agency involved. OSBC&R provides training and assistance to small businesses applying for certification and will assist a small business in the state procurement process. OSBC&R also maintains the State Contracts Register which lists all state contracts available for bidding. The majority of information is available from the Website.
Contact:
Olive Findleton
1531 I Street
Sacramento, CA 95814
(916) 322-5060
www.pd.dgs.ca.gov/smbus/sbcert.htm
BUSINESS ENTERPRISE
PROGRAM
(California Department of Transportation)
Description:
This program certifies Disadvantaged Business Enterprises, Minority
Business Enterprises, and Women Business Enterprises.
The purpose of the program is to increase the level of participation of
these groups in all of the State and Federal
contracting activities.
Contact:
General Assistance
Business Enterprise Program
P.O. Box 942874
Sacramento, CA. 94274-0001
(916) 227-9599
http://www.dot.ca.gov/hq/bep
SALES AND USE TAX
EXEMPTION
(California State Board of Equilization)
Description:
The partial sales tax exemption applies to persons that commence a new
trade or business as described in the 1987 Standard
Industrial Classification (SIC).
Eligibility:
The partial sales tax exemption generally applies to purchases of
tangible personal property used primarily for
manufacturing, processing, refining, fabricating, recycling,
research and development, and the repair of qualified
property. As an alternative to the partial sales tax
exemption, SB 676 provides an investment tax credit for
purchases of qualified property by persons engaged in
a business described in SIC codes 2000 to 3999.
Contact:
State Board of Equalization
Audit Evaluation and Planning
450 N Street, MIC 40
Sacramento, CA 95814
(916) 324-2883
http://www.boe.ca.gov
INVESTMENT TAX CREDIT
(California Franchise Tax Board)
Description:
Manufacturers may earn a 6 percent tax credit against State income tax
for purchases of qualified machinery and
equipment (over and above the Enterprise Zone tax credit where
applicable). This credit can reduce regular tax
below tentative minimum tax and, to the extent the credit
exceeds regular tax, the excess can be carried forward
for a minimum of seven years. Generally, equipment that will
qualify includes tangible personal property used
primarily in manufacturing, R&D, and property used to
repair, maintain, measure or test any of that property.
Eligibility:
Investment tax credit is allowed for purchases of qualified property by
persons engaged in a business described
in SIC codes 2000 to 3999.
Contact:
Franchise Tax Board
(800) 852-5711
http://www.ftb.ca.gov
PRIVATE / NONPROFIT FINANCIAL RESOURCES
LOAN PROGRAMS
MICRO LOAN GUARANTEES
(California Small Business Financial Development
Corporations)
Description:
The purpose of the Micro Loan Program is to provide a means of making
loans of $25,000 or less to small businesses who,
because of the size of their request or failure to meet certain lending
criteria, cannot find a lender willing
to make such a loan available.
Amount of Loan:
Maximum $25,000.
Use of Funds:
Equipment, acquisition, plant improvements, inventory, or permanent
working capital.
Maturity:
Up to 5 years.
Eligibility:
Small businesses located in California.
Contact:
See above, under loan guarantees.
CO-LENDING PROGRAM
(California Economic Development Lending Initiative
-- CEDLI)
California Economic Development Initiative (CEDLI) was initiated to join financial institutions and corporate investors together to address community needs that they could not meet individually. As a $50 million statewide community development corporation, CEDLI aims to make loans to small businesses that would otherwise not be made by individual lenders. Loan sizes range from $50,000 to $500,000.
This program works through existing bank networks and local community development corporations (CDC) to provide loans to businesses that have sufficient cash flow to service debt, but do not meet other conventional bank underwriting criteria.
For more information on this CEDLI program contact:
California Economic Development Lending Initiative (CEDLI)
1333 Broadway, Suite 1060
Oakland, CA 94612
LOAN-TO-LENDERS
(California Economic Development Lending Initiative
-- CEDLI)
California Economic Development Initiative (CEDLI) was initiated to join financial institutions and corporate investors together to address community needs that they could not meet individually. As a $50 million statewide community development corporation, CEDLI aims to make loans to small businesses that would otherwise not be made by individual lenders. Loan sizes range from $50,000 to $500,000.
This program provides credit to non-traditional lenders to re-lend locally in their communities.
For more information on this CEDLI program contact:
California Economic Development Lending Initiative (CEDLI)
1333 Broadway, Suite 1060
Oakland, CA 94612
DIRECT REAL ESTATE
LENDING PROGRAM
(California Economic Development Lending Initiative
-- CEDLI)
California Economic Development Initiative (CEDLI) was initiated to join financial institutions and corporate investors together to address community needs that they could not meet individually. As a $50 million statewide community development corporation, CEDLI aims to make loans to small businesses that would otherwise not be made by individual lenders. Loan sizes range from $50,000 to $500,000.
This program provides lending for community facilities and other real estate-based community development projects. Examples include Head Start centers, small business incubators, nonprofit-sponsored manufacturing projects and other projects sponsored by community development organizations.
For more information on this CEDLI program contact:
California Economic Development Lending Initiative (CEDLI)
1333 Broadway, Suite 1060
Oakland, CA 94612
FINANCING INITIATIVE
FOR ENVIRONMENTAL RESTORATION (FIER)
(The Development Fund)
The Financing Initiative for Environmental Restoration (FIER) was launched by the Development Fund in partnership with three co-sponsers: the Bay Area Council, the Federal Reserve bank of San Francisco, and the Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce. The concept of FIER, in brief, is to create a major new private-sector financing source for the clean-up and re-development of 'brownfield" and other contaminated lands.
Description:
FIER is an innovative financing program aimed at increasing
environmental clean-up, especially in urban, minority
and low-income areas. This new initiative will provide a sound
investment vehicle for corporations and financing
institutions to participate in the redevelopment of these
blighted lands.
Amount of Loan:
Varies.
Use of Funds:
Clean-up and redevelopment of environmentally impaired lands.
Contact:
Jennifer Burke
The Development Fund
231 Sansome Street, 6th Floor
San Francisco, CA 94104-2304
(415) 981-1070 ext. 17
jburke@tdfsf.org
ENVIROLOAN PILOT PROGRAM
(Environmental Financing Center)
Description:
The Enviroloan is a lending initiative aimed at businesses in need of
financial assistance to implement pollution
prevention and other environmentally beneficial actions. The
purpose of this lending initiative is two-fold;
(1) To develop an integrated method of providing financial
assistance to environmentally impacted businesses
which often are unable to obtain credit and (2) To contribute
to job creation and economic development, especially
in but not limited to, underserved communities where these
businesses are often located.
Amount of Loan:
The maximum allowable borrowing amount is established at $15,000.
Use of Funds:
The funds can only be utilized for the acquisition of equipment,
machinery or processes to comply with or exceed
the EPA and other environmental regulations.
Eligibility:
All applicants must register for EPA's Strategic Goals Program and the
Technical review Panel (TRP) will certify
said applicant's compliance. The TRP requires the following
items from the applicant.
- Pollution Prevention / Loan Workshop Attendance Certificate
- Completed Technology Criteria Checklist
- Vendor Technology Specifications
- Signed "Disclosure of Conditions" Clause
- Strategic Goals Program Performance (SGGP) Worksheets
- SB 14 hazardous Reduction Worksheet
- Signed Compliance History Form
- REBRAC Site Visit Release Form
Contact:
Sarah Diefendorf
Environmental Finance Center, Region 9
Alameda Point
851 West Midway Ave.
Alameda, CA 94501-5012
(510) 749-6867
ENTERFUND PROGRAM
(Northern california Reinvestment Consortium -- NCRC)
Description:
Sponsored by the Northern California Reinvestment Consortium and
administered by Capital Small Business Development
Corporation EnterFund is a program designed to deliver microloans and
technical assistance to the smallest businesses.
EnterFund will offer three basic categories of loans. The first is a
self-sufficiency loan designed to increase
the income of the entrepreneur. The second category is a
self-employment loan designed
to help entrepreneurs develop
a viable source of self-employment. The third type of loan is a
small-scale enterprise loan designed
to help existing microenterprises make the transition into small-scale
growth
enterprises.
Amount of Loan:
Loans range from $250 to $25,000.
Use of Funds:
Funds can be used in a variety of ways – from self income to small
equipment purchases.
Terms:
The term of the loan may not exceed five years.
Eligibility:
Small Businesses in the counties of El Dorado, Placer, Sacramento, and
Yolo with five or fewer employees.
Contact:
Carol Wright
California Capital Program Manager
(916) 442-1729
http://www.ncrc.as
CLEAN AIR LENDERS COUNCIL
The Clean Air Lenders Council is a group of regulated and non-regulated financial institutions who seek out companies who need financing on equipment (new or used) to help meet environmental compliance mandates and related projects. The program is administered through EnviroTech Financial, Inc.
Description:
The financial transactions are documented as either equipment lease
agreements or equipment financing agreements.
The equipment leases can be structured as either a capital
lease or operating lease. The capital leases can
have a purchase option at the end of the lease that can range
from $1.00 to fair market value. Most of the
capital leases carry a 10 percent purchase
that helps to reduce the monthly or quarterly payments
over the lease term. The operating leases are structured so
that the borrower can expense the lease payments
off over the term of the
lease for both operating purposes and for
tax purposes.
Terms:
The contract terms range from 3 to 7 years or more. The larger the
project, the longer the lease or loan terms.
Many of the contracts can have deferred payments for
up to six months before the first payment is due.
Rates will vary based upon four variable factors.
- Financial Strength of the Company Requesting the Financing
- Value of the Underlying Equipment Being Used as Collateral
- Size of the Transaction (Larger Credits will have Lower
Rates)
- Length of Repayment Term
Amount of Loan:
The minimum size of transaction that can be funded is $10,000 and there
is no upper limit.
Use of Funds:
Equipment (new or used).
Eligibility:
All companies are eligible for the equipment financing including
private, public or municipalities.
Contact:
EnviroTech Financial, Inc.
333 City Blvd West 17th Floor
Orange, CA 92868-5905
(714) 532-2731
http://www.etfinancial.com
MUNICIPAL UTILITY DISTRICT (MUD) ACT LOANS
Description:
Since 1977, the District has structured its lending program based upon
conditions imposed by the Municipal Utility
District (MUD) Act. This authority allows the district to
engage in activities to reduce wasteful, uneconomical,
or unnecessary uses of energy. It also permit activities to accelerate
and participate in the development of alternative
sources of energy including the supply of energy efficient
equipment. The program serves a cross section of
District customers including small commercial and industrial businesses.
Amounts:
Loans to businesses have ranged from $3,000 to $300,000.
Use of Funds:
Financing is used to encourage SMUD customers to replace high-energy
use equipment with more efficient models.
Examples include HVAC, electric motors, lighting retrofits, solar,
infrared technologies, refrigeration systems,
and security lighting. For further information, please see the
information on SMUD Energy Services programs.
Type / Terms:
Most of the loans take the form of closed-end installment loans
(monthly payments) with maturities up to 10 years.
Several interest rates are available and are based upon the
amount borrowed. Financing can include up to 100 percent
of the measure's cost. In most instances, SMUD takes a
security interest in the equipment or measure financed.
The property owner must approve the lien placed against the property
where installation is performed.
Eligibility:
Currently, all users of the loan program must have an active electric
account with SMUD. To qualify for the loan,
businesses must complete an application and submit financial and
operations histories when required for loan approval. Loan
borrowers must use one of SMUD's approved contractors. The loan must be
approved before the project is
started.
Contact:
For additional information, contact SMUD's Energy Services-Finance area
at (916) 732-6198.
ELECTRICAL UTILITIES --
DISCOUNTS AND INCENTIVES
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT RATE (SCE)
Description:
In cooperation with business development programs offered through other
organizations such as the California Manufacturing
Technology Center, Business Environmental Assistance Centers, Team
California, and the California Integrated Waste
Management Board, Southern California Edison's Economic and Business
Group offers a variety of free, confidential
services that address energy, environmental, and economic challenges
facing companies today.
Discount:
Southern California Edison has three new Economic Development Rates
(EDR) to help encourage manufacturing and film industries
to locate ("attraction EDR"), expand ("expansion EDR"), or retain
("retention EDR")
their operations in California. SCE offers five years of rate discounts
to eligible industrial customers (200 kW
to 4,000 kW demand). The discounts are:
- 25 Percent in the First Year
- 20 Percent in the Second Year
- 15 Percent in the Third Year
- 10 Percent in the Fourth Year
- 5 Percent in Fifth Year
Eligibility:
Customers in manufacturing and motion picture production with 200 kW to
4,000 kW load may be eligible if they are:
- Seriously considering relocating that load outside
California.
- Expanding by 50 kW or 10 percent (whichever is greater) of
their base load,
and are considering out-of-state locations
for the expansion.
- Start-ups or are moving their load into California.
Contact:
For additional information, contact Southern California Edison at (800)
3-Edison. Edison's business-related Website
is http://www.scebiz.com/
ECONOMIC DISCOUNT RATE (PG&E)
Discount:
Pacific Gas and Electric Company offers a three-year declining rate
discount. Eligible customers will receive
discount rates of
15 percent the first year, 10 percent the second year, and 5 percent
the third year.
Eligibility:
The economic discount rate is available to new customers with maximum
demands greater than 200kW, or existing customers
who add at least 200kW of maximum demand.
Contact:
For additional information, contact your local PG&E Company
office or check their business assistance website
at http://www.pge.com/
NEW JOB RATE (SDG&E)
Description:
The San Diego Gas and Electric Company's "new job rate" (NJR) provides
discounts on electric rates to
eligible companies. In addition, San Diego Gas and Electric Company's
Economic Development Programs and Services
provide energy-efficient design assistance and new
construction financial incentives.
Discount:
SDG&E offers three years of rate discounts to qualifying
industrial customers. Eligible customers will receive
discount rates of 15 percent the first year, 10 percent the
second year, and five percent the third year.
Eligibility:
Companies that expand or relocate in one of San Diego's Enterprise
Zones or Recycling Market Development Zones, and add
at least 500kw of new electric demand are eligible for the NJR.
Contact:
For additional information, contact San Diego Gas and Electric Company
at (619) 621-8800. SDG&E's Website is at http://www.sdge.com
COMMERCIAL AND INDUSTRIAL ENERGY SERVICE PROGRAMS
The Sacramento Municipal Utility District (SMUD) is a publicly
owned electric utility in the Sacramento area.
SMUD provides innovative energy services and energy-efficiency
financing programs to residential, commercial
and industrial, and agricultural customers. The programs
offered include incentives, financing, energy efficiency
programs, value-added services, and personal service from an
experienced SMUD Energy Specialist. SMUD Energy Specialists
provide many of the services, such as energy assessments, technical
support, and value-added services, directly
to our customers. SMUD's incentive programs and financing program offer
the commercial and industrial customer
exceptional value by providing one-stop financial assistance. The
programs help reduce the project cost through
customer or contractor incentives, and through low-interest financing,
allow projects to be financed with
little or no up-front cost.
PROJECT COMPLETION INCENTIVE (SMUD)
SMUD offers a project completion incentive to contractors for
eligible energy efficiency measures, for projects
pre-approved by SMUD. For 1999, the project completion incentive is
$150 per average kW (l p.m. 9 p.m.) saved. Through
the end of 1998 SMUD is offering an additional $150 per average kW for
projects completed year's end. Customers
acting as their own contractors and installing qualifying energy
efficiency measures meeting SMUD specifications
and program standards are also eligible for the incentive. Other
conditions also apply. Contact: Chuck Donaldson
at (916) 732-5437 for details.
HVAC PRESCRIPTIVE EQUIPMENT REPLACEMENT (SMUD)
The program provides incentives to contractors for installing
qualifying high-efficiency retrofit and replacement
package and split-system HVAC equipment. The program uses
incentives ranging from $80 / ton to $120 / ton
sufficient to offset most of the incremental cost of
the high efficiency equipment. Contact Chuck Donaldson
at (916) 732-5437 for details.
MERCHANT ASSOCIATION PROJECT DEVELOPMENT INCENTIVE
The Merchant Association Project Development Incentive
provides an incentive of $50 / average kW
(1 p.m. to 9 p.m.) saved for
aggregating and implementing projects within the merchant association
membership, management firm purview, or
Business Improvement District. The funds are paid directly to the
association at the time all projects
under the association's project proposal are
completed. The incentive is paid in addition to any
incentives paid
to the merchant members completing the projects under other
SMUD programs. Chuck Donaldson
at (916) 732-5437
for details.
NEW TECHNOLOGIES (SMUD)
Incentives are offered for implementing new technologies that
are commercialized, but underutilized, such as
LED traffic signals or ultrasonic humidification
systems. A limited amount of funding for retrofit installations
of equipment will be available in 1999. Other conditions
apply. Contact Chuck Donaldson at (916) 732-5437
for details.
COMPACT FLUORESCENT LAMP AGGREGATED PURCHASE PROGRAM (SMUD)
The Compact Fluorescent Lamp Aggregated Purchase Pilot Program will facilitate the proper selection and installation of compact fluorescent lamps into customer premises and enable the customers to purchase the lamps at a reduced price through the use of SMUD's purchasing power and large bulk purchases of lamps. Contact: Chuck Donaldson at (916) 732-5437 for details.
Objectives of the program:
- Provide a reduction in the price of compact fluorescent
lamps to the customers.
- Facilitate the selection, purchase, and installation of
compact fluorescent lamps in
commercial and industrial facilities.
- Test the concept and evaluate it for cost-effectiveness,
timeliness, and customer value,
and applicability to other technologies,
such as LED exit signs.
- Help ensure quality lamps are properly specified and correctly installed.
ELECTRICAL UTILITIES --
FINANCIAL / TECHNICAL SERVICES
CMTC / SMUD INDUSTRIAL ENERGY
EFFICIENCY ALLIANCE
A program under development by SMUD and the California
Manufacturing Technology Center (CMTC), Roseville,
is the SMUD
Industrial Productivity and Energy Efficiency Initiative. The
initiative is an alliance consisting of SMUD
and the CMTC with a goal to provide energy efficiency, process
efficiency, production efficiency analysis,
and other services that are otherwise too expensive or unavailable to
area businesses. The services would
assist customers in retrofit, business expansion, or other
areas related to energy and energy efficiency as appropriate.
The emphasis is on making a cooperative effort in reaching the
customers with the unique skills of SMUD and the
CMTC staff. The CMTC presently participates actively with SMUD
to host valuable workshops for commercial and
industrial customers. Contact Chuck Donaldson at
(916) 732 5437 for details.
COMPRESSED AIR INITIATIVE
Another initiative under development by SMUD will focus on
efficient use of compressed air through technical
assistance and education, in addition to SMUD incentive and
financing programs. In conjunction with national
efforts by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and the
Consortium for Energy Efficiency (CEE), the initiative
will focus on the potential for identifying air
compressor inefficiency, misapplication, leakage reduction,
recommendations for system improvement, and educational
seminars. Contact Chuck Donaldson at (916) 732-5437
for details.
MOTOR SYSTEM ENERGY EFFICIENCY INITIATIVE (SMUD)
The SMUD Energy Efficient Motor Systems Initiative, to be
introduced in 1999, utilizes SMUD participation in
the Department of Energy (DOE) Motor Challenge program, the
program would provide energy efficiency recommendations,
technical support, seminars, and Motor Master + software to the
participating customers. The program would
utilize the resources available through the Motor Challenge program
including training, software, case studies,
and technical support to assist customers in implementing motor system
efficiency upgrades. At a minimum the customer
would receive Motor Master Software and access to the Motor Master
resources. The initiative would promote
the efficient use of motors and motor drive technology. Through the
California Motors Initiative and the DOE,
customers and SMUD have access to the case studies and technical
support for a variety of process-related
projects. Chuck Donaldson at (916) 732-5437 for
details.
ENERGY INFORMATION AND ENERGY ASSESSMENTS (SMUD)
Energy Services staff provides project-specific audits and
energy assessments as a service to our customers.
Smaller (SMUD electric Rate 27) customers are provided with an
energy audit or information by mail, with personalized service
available. Contact Chuck Donaldson at (916) 732-5437 for details.
CUSTOMER EDUCATION (SMUD)
SMUD staff can provide customer training both at SMUD and the
customer's facility. SMUD offers training
seminars and maintains
computers with Internet access in our Energy and Technology Center.
Additionally, Energy services staff can provide
customers with video-based training on a variety of topics through the
Workplace Training Network (WTN). WTN is
a satellite-fed training network available exclusively at the SMUD
Energy and Technology Center. Additionally SMUD
Energy Services staff can prepare and deliver training at the customers
business on a variety of energy-related
topics.
PROJECT MANAGEMENT (SMUD)
Project management service is provided to any qualifying
energy efficiency project. SMUD project management
is available in combination with the other incentives offered by SMUD,
with the exception of the Project Completion
Incentive. Project management services are a desirable and effective at
helping customers install energy efficiency
projects. When performed for the purpose of achieving energy
efficiency, up to 20 hours of project management
services will be provided to the customer free of charge. Some
restrictions apply.
ADDITIONAL LINKS
Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance
http://www.gsa.gov/fdac/
Applied Science and
Technology
http://www.asti-env.com/


