A small business may also face expense in eliminating a toxic product or reducing a waste stream to protect workers, human health and the environment. All of these costs can create burdens that require assistance. The MPCA offers the Small Business Environmental Improvement Loan Program as a means to help small businesses help themselves with environmental projects. Through the program, small businesses are able to achieve successes with their environmental projects and goals, while at the same time helping to preserve Minnesota's air, land, lakes and quality of life. The program provides low-interest loans to small businesses to finance environmental projects such as capital equipment upgrades that meet or exceed environmental regulations, and costs associated with the investigation and cleanup of hazardous materials.
Businesses benefit in many ways from the projects possible with the loan program.
Common benefits include reduced worker exposures, lower costs for waste disposal fees and reduced regulatory burdens. Businesses may also find that through pollution prevention efforts they may qualify for simpler environmental permits or licenses. Frequently, these benefits also have a positive impact on the business bottom line. Many different types of businesses are eligible to receive loans through the program. Many different types of projects are eligible for loans through the program.