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BC introduces $550,000 LiveSmart Champion Program for small businesses
June 16, 2011 - After a crushing Canadian loss for the Stanley Cup between the Vancouver Canucks and the Boston Bruins, here’s some good news for B.C. small businesses–the province has introduced a program which it says can help turn their energy-efficient ideas into a reality.
June 22, 2011 By Alyssa Dalton
“B.C. small businesses have innovative ideas on how to conserve energy, but many do not have the time or money to make their ideas happen,” explained the government.
Titled the $550,000 LiveSmart Champion Program, small business can submit their energy saving ideas to the ministry of Energy and Mines. Applications will be evaluated on project feasibility, energy and cost savings, innovation, and their benefit and value to other companies and the community.
To become a LiveSmart Champion, small businesses must spend less than $50,000 per year on electricity and meet program eligibility requirements. Applications must be submitted by Monday, Aug. 15, 2011 at 4 p.m. to be considered. Successful applicants will be eligible to receive up to $25,000. Champions will then be able to share their projects with their local community and businesses, so others can learn from their experience and leadership, said the ministry.
“No one knows how to help small businesses better than the owners,” said Rich Coleman, minister of Energy and Mines. “We want to tap into their knowledge and ideas to get businesses around the province on a path of conserving energy and saving money.”
This call for applications for LiveSmart Champion funding will award $275,000 in funding for energy-efficiency projects. A second call for applications will be released later this year, said the ministry.
The LiveSmart Champion is a component of the LiveSmart BC: Small Business Program launched in January 2011.
For more information on eligibility and to submit an application for the LiveSmart Champion program, CLICK HERE.
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