Small business owners, farmers and ranchers got information on the Rural Energy for America Program during a seminar Tuesday evening provided by the U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development at the V.I. Small Business Development Center.
The representatives from Florida provided V.I. residents with information about the grants and loans available to agricultural producers and small business owners for the installation of renewable energy systems.
Karen Jones, VISBDC director, said the seminar was necessary and informative for business owners in the territory to know the different options and resources for maintaining their facilities.
“Small businesses can be a challenge,” Jones said. “The cost of energy and living on a small island relying on one entity can be hard.”
Chris Goddard, USDA Rural Development energy coordinator, gave an overview on the two components of the program that include renewable energy and energy efficiency projects.
“Renewable energy is a process that produces energy,” Goddard said. “It can be solar, wind, geothermal, hydrogen, ocean waves, hydroelectric sources, grass and any organic material.”
She explained that energy efficiency differentiates from renewable energy in that it works to decrease energy consumption, including “lighting, irrigation, refrigeration or cooling system improvements.” Goddard also spoke about REAP guaranteed loans.
Joe Mueller, USDA Rural Development programs director, said the renewable energy systems or energy efficiency projects must be “technically feasible” and pre-commercial or commercially available.
The seminar concluded with questions from the audience. One audience member said he was sold on the grants, but not on the loans.
Sana Joseph, IHOP general manager, said she knew the seminar would help her maintain success for her restaurant. Joseph received two grants from the program and came out to the workshop for more information for the possibility of receiving another grant.
“The process is not difficult, just tedious,” Joseph said. “My advice is to follow all the instruction.”
According to the organization, applications for grants, loans or the combination of both are due July 14. Guaranteed loan applications are due July 13.
