Bonds are available to businesses in hurricane ravaged counties in Alabama, Louisiana and Mississippi. Qualified project costs include "the cost of acquisition, construction, reconstruction, and renovation of nonresidential real property (including buildings, their structural components, and associated fixed improvements)".4 Facility improvement costs may be permitted as long as they are chargeable to the capital account of that facility.4 (For full explanation, see Revenue Provisions of the Gulf Opportunity Zone Act.)

These bonds provide low interest loans to businesses willing to expand within or relocate to designated Empowerment Zones. These loans are contingent upon businesses employing substantial numbers of zone residents in their operations. State by state listing of empowerment zones, with links to zone-specific information can be found at Tour RC/EZ/EC's by State.

A loan issued to finance construction or improvement of a public revenue-generating entity such as a hospital, waste-water treatment facility or municipal power plant. Revenues are used to pay back principal and interest.

A tax credit bond for renewable energy facilities available to municipalities and other tax-exempt entities (e.g. schools, colleges, municipal hospitals, JPA members).8 Bond application deadline was April 2006; however bonds may become available again. Senate Bill 2401 "Alternative Energy Extender Act' proposes to increase funding and extend the deadline for these bonds.5,6 For an overview of the program visit Understanding the Clean Renewable Energy Bond Program.

These bonds provide below market loans to private companies wanting to update and expand their manufacturing facilities. At one time, California had a provision in their IDB program specifically for energy efficiency upgrades.

This federal program makes capital available to small businesses to, among other purposes, incorporate new technologies and efficiency improvements into their work flow. To determine if your business fits SBA's business size and other criteria, go to Small Business Size Standards and The Small Business Act.

Loans and loan guarantees are two types of assistance listed in the database.

Empowerment Zone tax incentives - Zones are listed by state, and tax incentives are found in zone-specific links

US Department of Energy funds CHP-related projects.

Federal clearinghouse for identifying grant opportunities. Website includes general grant information and a searchable database of all grant opportunities, not just CHP grants.

Searchable catalog includes grants, direct payments, and programs that provide government specialists who consult, advise, or counsel. Includes more than just CHP monies.

CHP-related funding opportunities. Check periodically as opportunities are updated twice a month.

Federal and state links to energy incentives that may apply to CHP systems. Don't overlook the link to federal incentives located above big US map on the first page.