U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development REAP provides grants and low-cost loans to agricultural producers and rural small businesses interested in saving money by saving energy. The Rural Energy for American Program (REAP) aims to reduce the amount of greenhouse gas pollution that affects the climate. REAP grants and loans help businesses purchase and install renewable energy systems and make energy-efficiency improvements.

To be eligible, businesses must be located in a rural area with population of 50,000 or fewer residents. The population limit does not apply to agricultural producers, who may be located in rural or non-rural areas.

The program draws upon funding from two bills passed by the U.S. Congress. Applications for funding authorized through the Inflation Reduction Act were paused on December 31, 2024. However, the agency is still accepting applications for funding authorized by the Farm Bill. Complete applications must be submitted by the March 31, 2025 deadline.

Find all eligibility requirements here.

Arrowhead Center is hosting a virtual Application Assistance Workshop at 11:00 am on February 19. Participants will get guidance on USDA RD REAP applications and the SAM.gov registration. They will gain insight into leveraging Arrowhead Center’s resources and get help understanding funding basics.

Register for Arrowhead Center’s Application Assistance Workshop.

Slopeside Dreams, a hospitality business located in Angel Fire, received a $20,000 REAP grant to offset the installation of a $80,000 solar array. The company is expected to see $3,529 in annual electricity savings — almost 90 percent of its entire annual electricity bill.