The Small Business Energy Assessment & Assistance Program is part of the USDA’s Rural Energy for America Program (REAP), specifically focused on energy audits and technical assistance (also referred to as REDA within the broader REAP framework). It offers grants covering up to 25% of project costs to rural small businesses—including agriculture producers—to perform energy efficiency assessments, renewable energy site studies, and technical planning.
Southeast Conference’s Role
Southeast Conference delivers this program locally in Southeast Alaska through its Energy Assessment & Audit Program. They:
- Provide low-cost energy audits and help secure REDA grant funding
- Cover 25% of project costs for small businesses
- Facilitate coordination between applicants and USDA Rural Development
This outreach makes the technical assistance more accessible, helping businesses navigate grant applications and audits to jumpstart energy-saving projects in the region.
Goals & Benefits
- Enable informed clean-energy projects: Funding helps complete rigorous energy efficiency and renewable energy audits before installation.
- Reduce costs and boost resilience: Customized assessments help owners identify opportunities to lower energy use, cut bills, and reduce emissions.
- Support rural economies: By lowering barriers to clean-energy planning, the program promotes innovation and long-term investment in small communities.
Major Goals & Impacts
Program Goals
- Offer subsidized technical assistance for energy audits and assessments
- Ensure rural small businesses receive expert guidance for potential renewable energy or efficiency upgrades
- Facilitate grant readiness and application support for USDA programs
Impacts to Date
- Multiple small businesses have received funded audits through SEC-supported REDA grants
- Participating businesses now have comprehensive energy-efficiency plans to serve as the foundation for future projects
- The program has enhanced regional awareness of clean-energy tools and USDA funding pipelines
Summary
The Small Business Energy Assessment & Assistance Program, delivered locally by Southeast Conference, is a strategic, low-barrier gateway to USDA’s REAP offerings. By subsidizing up to 25% of assessment costs and guiding applicants through grant applications, SEC is enabling rural and remote businesses in Southeast Alaska to plan clean-energy investments that may cut costs, reduce emissions, and build local resilience.
