Energy Trust’s Solar program has updated the Business Development Fund platform to better support trade allies and align with other Energy Trust programs. Business Development Fund reimbursement rates have increased to 100% of approved expenses for all trade allies, regardless of rating.
Energy Trust has also updated annual maximums to $3,000 for standard Solar trade allies, and $4,000 for MBE, WBE, VBE and rural trade allies. Additionally, the list of eligible expenses has expanded.
| Standard Trade Ally | MBE, WBE, VBE(1) and Rural(2) Trade Allies |
|---|---|
| Annual maximum: $3,000 Amount reimbursed: 100% up to annual maximum • Training maximums removed • Reimbursements eligible up to annual maximum | Annual maximum: $4,000 Amount reimbursed: 100% up to annual maximum • Training maximums removed • Reimbursements eligible up to annual maximum |
| Minimum reimbursement: • $75 for marketing • $75 for training | Minimum reimbursement: • $75 for marketing • $75 for training |
1 Minority Business Enterprise (MBE), Women Business Enterprise (WBE) and Veteran Business Enterprise (VBE) designate minority-owned, women-owned and veteran-owned businesses. If you want to learn whether your business qualifies as a minority, women, service-disabled veteran-owned or rural trade ally, please reach out to your account manager to learn more.
2 Rural businesses are designated as businesses that serve rural customers.
For more information about eligible expenses, and how to submit an application visit the Business Development Fund page on the Solar Insider pages or email solarfund@energytrust.org.