Energy Trust is making Business Development Funds more accessible and relevant in 2023. This includes reimbursement for additional types of expenses to help trade ally businesses with the variety of costs they face.
Business Development Funds were previously available for approved marketing and training. The newly expanded list of eligible expenses will also include (but is not limited to):
- Software, computers, laptops and tablets
- Trade-specific tools
- Insurance
- Payroll services
- Website development
- Financial, business, or marketing consulting services
Eligible expenses are now up to 100% reimbursable, limited to your annual maximum. Changes are intended to improve access to and usability of these funds to support trade ally businesses. Details and amounts are as follows:
Annual maximum
$3,000 per trade ally business ($4,000 for minority-owned, woman-owned, veteran-owned or rural1 trade ally business)
Reimbursement level
100% of approved expenses, up to annual maximum (note that training maximums have been removed)
1Rural businesses are designated as businesses that serve customers in designated rural areas. If you have questions about eligibility, reach out to homesfund@energytrust.org
Pre-approval is still required to receive reimbursement.
We encourage trade allies to reach out to us to request reimbursement for services, products or other business-supporting costs not specified on the eligibility list. We will review requests on a case-by-case basis. These requests help us better serve individual trade allies and make us aware of potential broader business needs.
For the updated Residential pre-approval application, more information on the steps for reimbursement, or a detailed list of eligible expenses, please visit the Business Development Fund Guidelines page. If you have questions regarding the guidelines or requirements, email the Residential trade ally team or call 1.866.365.3526.