Today, the Mountain BizWorks Electrify Fund launches to connect Western North Carolina businesses, nonprofits, and local governments with affordable financing for clean energy and efficiency investments. The program supports healthy communities and economic growth by helping organizations reduce energy costs, rebuild with resilience, and increase energy independence.
The Electrify Fund is available to fund the following project types:
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- Solar Energy and Storage to lower energy costs and provide more reliable electricity.
- Energy Efficient Buildings to help building owners save money through projects like efficient lighting, insulation, HVAC, air sealing, and other technologies.
- Electric Vehicles and Equipment to reduce fuel costs for businesses reliant on fleet vehicles or mobile machinery.
- Capital for Clean Energy Businesses to provide affordable funding to help businesses scale their operations and grow WNC’s clean energy economy.
“Through providing very affordable and patient financing, the Electrify Fund will help more clean energy projects become cost-effective from day one,” stated Mountain BizWorks executive director Matt Raker. “We are encouraged this will be a timely regional recovery resource as well, as so many of our rebuilding needs will include energy efficiency and energy resilience improvements.”
As a resource for helping WNC recover from Helene, the Electrify Fund can come in on the ground floor, assisting businesses with new energy-efficient HVAC systems, insulation, windows, efficient lighting, roofing, and other projects to rebuild better. Eric Burton, Mountain BizWorks’ Director of Energy and Climate Lending, shared that he’s already received strong interest from a broad range of businesses and nonprofit organizations. “We’re seeing projects that aim to save money on energy bills, recover stronger, reduce environmental impacts, and provide a more comfortable workplace for their employees,” he said. “We’re thrilled to be able to make these positive outcomes more attainable to the WNC community through the Electrify Fund.”
The first project funded under this new program is for Bryson City United Methodist Church, whose Finance Committee and Creation Care Committee prioritized installing a solar power system. About the project, Catherine Gantt, Church Council President said, “I’m proud that we are the first public building in our town to have solar energy. It will be nice to know that future generations won’t worry about keeping the lights on and paying crazy prices.” Their plan will save over $1,000 per month in electricity costs, and pay itself off in 7 to 8 years.
Businesses and nonprofits interested in financing options available through the Electrify Fund should fill out the form at electrifyfund.org/apply-for-funding. A member of the team will reach out to discuss your project and begin the application process. For organizations interested in clean energy and efficiency but don’t know where to start, the Electrify Fund also has resources to help determine the best options. Businesses and nonprofits can apply to receive a free energy assessment of their building and connect with a supportive network of knowledgeable local contractors. Connect with the Electrify Fund at electrifyfund.org today to get started.
This program is made possible with support from local and state partners including Dogwood Health Trust and North Carolina Rural Center.
