Boulder-area Funding Sources and How to Search in your Locality
In addition to state-level funding, many cities, counties, and regional governments offer incentives that prioritize sustainability or energy efficiency. Below are a few tips when searching for these opportunities:
Check Your City’s Sustainability Office or Climate Action Program - Most cities, especially mid-to-large ones, offer: small business energy rebates, electrification grants, and waste reduction programs
Search: [City] sustainability office commercial incentives
Explore Local Development Authorities & Business Improvement Districts (BIDs) - BIDs, Downtown Development Authorities (DDAs), and Urban Renewal Authorities often fund items such as building repairs, energy efficiency upgrades, and exterior improvements
Search: [City] BID grants OR [City] Downtown Development Authority incentives
Look for City or County “Small Business Support” Programs - Many local governments offer grants unrelated to sustainability but still useful for building upgrades
Search: [City] small business grants OR [County] business improvement program
City of Boulder Solar Tax Rebate
Description: This program offers a rebate of the city sales and use tax paid on expenses incurred during the solar panel installation process.
Qualified Entities: Businesses that have installed solar electric or solar thermal systems on their property
Funding Terms Overview: 15% of city sales and use tax paid on materials and permits for solar installation
Partners for a Clean Environment (PACE) - Business Sustainability Incentives
Description: This program offers rebates to small businesses to complete eligible energy efficiency upgrades. This is a county-run program.
Qualified Entities: Businesses that are located in Boulder County
Funding Terms Overview: The amount of funding one may receive is variable, but there is a maximum of $50,000 that a single entity can qualify for in a given year
Denver Regional Council of Governments (DRCOG)- Power Ahead Colorado
Description: This is a grant program that assists businesses in transitioning to energy-efficient solutions.
Qualified Entities: Businesses that are located in the front-range metro area
Funding Terms Overview: The funding amount is variable. DRCOG was awarded a $199.7 million grant through the EPA’s Climate Pollution Reduction Program in July 2024. As such, the status of these funds are dependent on the federal government’s cooperation.