Small Business Energy Incentive Program
The City of Charlottesville is seeking a non-profit partner to develop and deliver a small business energy efficiency incentive program. This new program aims to support businesses and not-for-profit organizations located in the City of Charlottesville in reducing their energy use, therefore lowering utility costs and contributing to the city’s community climate goals.
The City will invest up to $125,000 to pilot this program. These funds are for a local organization that can provide energy audits and technical assistance as well as limited financial incentives for energy efficiency improvements to local small businesses and are a 501c(3) or equivalent. The application will open on January 5, 2026, and the deadline to apply is February 6, 2026. Please see below for more detailed information and contact Emily Irvine at climate@charlottesville.gov with questions.
Access the Application Form here.
Background
Approximately 95% of Charlottesville’s greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions are attributable to non-municipal, community-based activities. Of this share, approximately 30% come from the non-residential sector, including small businesses and non-profits. The City’s Climate Program recognizes that this sector can benefit from targeted support in reducing emissions from their buildings through energy saving strategies. Small businesses and nonprofits often operate on very thin financial margins and often lack the bandwidth or technical expertise needed to make energy improvements, even if it could lower their utility bills and positively impact their operating costs.
Who Can Apply?
Eligible applicants must be based in the City of Charlottesville and have 501c(3) status.
Additional Details
Applicants must be able to demonstrate experience with non-residential energy efficiency work, including conducting energy audits and supporting the implementation of recommendations to improve energy performance. Applicants shall demonstrate understanding of other existing incentives (e.g., utility-led) that can be leveraged. Understanding of the local Energy Resource Hub is preferred.
All businesses or non-profits served by the program must be located within the City of Charlottesville. Businesses served must meet the definition of a small business as defined by the Code of Virginia, must be headquartered in Charlottesville, and may not have more than three physical locations.
Program Goals
The goals of a Small Business Energy Incentive Program are to:
- Reduce energy usage and utility costs for area small businesses and non-profits.
- Provide energy audits and technical assistance as well as financial support to small businesses to make energy improvements in their buildings.
- Support area businesses in reducing their greenhouse gas emissions.
- Leverage additional funds available to businesses from utility-led energy programs.
- Augment services available to commercial entities through the Energy Resource Hub.
Charlottesville Policy and Plan Alignment
This program aims to support ongoing implementation of the City’s Climate Action Plan. It also contributes to the Climate Action and Partnerships Strategic Outcome Areas of City Council’s 2023 Strategic Plan Framework.
Access the Application Form here.