The Small Business Environmental Assistance Program offers grant and loan funding for a range of business activities. See MPCA's Grants and loans page to apply for currently available funding.

Small business environmental improvement loans

The MPCA provides loans at zero-percent interest to small businesses for capital equipment purchases that help the company meet or exceed environmental regulations, and costs associated with the investigation and cleanup of contaminated sites. Common benefits include a healthier workplace, lower waste disposal bills, and reduced regulatory obligations. Projects that go beyond compliance may result in simpler permits and cost savings, and are highly encouraged.

To quality, a borrower must be an existing small business corporation, sole proprietorship, partnership, or association with less than 100 full-time employees, an after-tax profit of less than $500,000. and a demonstrated ability to repay the loan

Learn more and apply: Small business environmental improvement loans

Dry cleaner cost share funding

Dry cleaning businesses can use our cost share funding for projects that eliminate the use of perchloroethylene (perc). Minnesota has banned the use of perc starting in 2026. The Minnesota Legislature set aside $355,000 to help businesses transition; grantees can receive up to $20,000. The funding will be available until it's all been awarded or until April 1, 2024, whichever is first.

Switching away from perc has many benefits:

  • Reduced disposal and purchase costs 
  • Fewer regulatory requirements 
  • Reduced employee and customer exposure to harmful chemicals

Learn more and apply: Dry cleaner cost share funding

Refrigerant emission reduction grants

Many of the chemicals that power our refrigeration systems can contribute to climate change or damage the ozone layer when they leak. Replacing systems with units that don't leak refrigerant or don't use harmful chemical can reduce harm to the environment and often lower your operating costs. Sign up below to be notified of new grant opportunities.

Apply now: Refrigerant emission reduction grants (closes April 14)

Air quality improvement grants

Facilities that emit air pollution have an impact on the surrounding communities. Breathing air pollution, even at low levels, affects everyone's health. We periodically offer funding to help small businesses, government agencies, educational institutions, and other organizations  to upgrade equipment and processes or switch to cleaner products that will reduce air pollution. Sign up below to be notified of new grant opportunities.

Apply now: Grants to improve air quality

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