B.C. small businesses have innovative ideas on how to conserve energy, but many do not have the time or money to make their ideas happen. That's where the $550,000 LiveSmart Champion Program can help small business make their energy-efficient ideas a reality.
Small business can now submit their energy saving ideas to the Ministry of Energy and Mines. Applications will be evaluated on project feasibility, energy and cost savings, innovation, and their benefit and value to other companies and the community.
To become a LiveSmart Champion, small businesses must spend less than $50,000 per year on electricity and meet program eligibility requirements. Applications must be submitted by Monday, Aug. 15 at 4 p.m. to be considered. Successful applicants will be eligible to receive up to $25,000.
This call for applications for LiveSmart Champion funding will award $275,000 in funding for energy-efficiency projects. A second call for applications will be released later this year. Successful champions will share their projects with their local community and businesses, so others can learn from their experience and leadership.
"No one knows how to help small businesses better than the owners," said Rich Coleman, Minister of Energy and Mines in a news release. "We want to tap into their knowledge and ideas to get businesses around the province on a path of conserving energy and saving money."
The LiveSmart Champion is a component of the LiveSmart BC: Small Business Program launched in January 2011. This $15-million, three-year program assists business owners in saving money by reducing their energy consumption with free energy-efficiency advice, equipment and incentives.
For more information on the LiveSmart BC: Small Business Program, visit: http://www.livesmartbc.ca/green_business/index.html and for more information on eligibility and to submit an application for the LiveSmart Champion program, visit: https://livesmartbc.qa.gov.bc.ca/green_business/program_components.html.
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