Energy Trust has refreshed its annual Residential Business Development Fund (BDF) and Program Cost Assistance Fund budgets as of January 1, 2026. The annual budget includes $455,000 for the Residential Business Development Fund and $45,000 for the Program Cost Assistance Fund for active community partners.
Residential Business Development Fund (BDF) for trade allies
Active Residential trade allies are eligible to receive up to $3,000 in reimbursement through the Residential BDF offer. Residential trade allies that are COBID certified, located in rural areas or are minority-, veteran- or women-owned businesses are eligible for up to $4,000 in reimbursement for qualifying expenses. Expenses like marketing projects, trade tools or trainings and certifications may be eligible for reimbursement.
All Residential BDF expenses require pre-approval. Pre-approval confirms project and training eligibility but does not reserve funds. Funds are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Please note that final invoices must be submitted within 60 days of pre-approval and within 15 days of release of marketing projects or training/event dates.
To apply, please fill out this Residential BDF application. For detailed Residential BDF guidelines, review the Residential BDF page.
Program Cost Assistance Fund (PCAF) for community partners
Active community partners are eligible to receive up to $2,000 in reimbursement for qualifying marketing, training, certifications, consulting services and equipment through the Program Cost Assistance Fund (PCAF) offer.
Similar to BDF requirements, all PCAF expenses require pre-approval. Pre-approval confirms project and training eligibility but does not reserve funds. Funds are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Please note that final invoices must be submitted within 15 days of approval to homesfund@energytrust.org.
To apply, please fill out this PCAF application. For detailed PCAF guidelines or information about Community Partner Funding, please review the PCAF page.
For help with questions regarding the Residential BDF or PCAF, please email us at homesfund@energytrust.org or call 1.866.365.3526.