USDA Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) Technical Assistance Grant (TAG) Program

In the dynamic landscape of Nevada's manufacturing sector, pursuing sustainability and operational efficiency is paramount to success. As small and medium-sized manufacturers in Nevada strive to enhance competitiveness while minimizing environmental impact, the USDA Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) emerges as a vital resource, offering avenues for renewable energy adoption and energy efficiency improvements The Technical Assistance Grant program, structured to offer guaranteed loan financing and grant funding, embodies a concerted effort to bolster the resilience and environmental stewardship of agricultural producers and small rural businesses.

Who can apply?

• Small businesses in eligible rural areas
• Agricultural producers with at least 50% of gross income from agricultural operations

How can funds be used?

Funds can be used for renewable energy systems such as:

• Geothermal
• Hydropower below 30 megawatts
• Hydrogen
  Biomass (biodiesel and ethanol, anaerobic digesters, and solid fuels)
• Small and large wind generation
• Small and large solar generation
• Ocean (tidal, current, thermal)

Funds can also be used to buy, build, and install energy efficiency improvements such as:

• Replacement of energy-inefficient equipment
• Electric, solar, or gravity pumps for sprinkler pivots
• Switching from a diesel to an electric irrigation motor
• High-efficiency heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems (HVAC)
• Lighting, Insulation, Cooling or refrigeration units, doors and windows

What types of funding are available?

• Loan guarantees on loans up to 75 percent of total eligible project costs
• Grants for up to 50 percent of total eligible project costs
• Combined grant and loan guarantee funding up to 75 percent of total eligible costs‍

Navigate REAP Funding with Manufacture Nevada

In navigating the complexities of REAP funding, manufacturers often encounter barriers related to technical expertise and application procedures. Manufacture Nevada is ready to help you find resources to help implement your energy projects. As a dedicated industrial extension program of the Nevada System of Higher Education, Manufacture Nevada values strong collaborative partnerships. Through strategic state partnerships and industry expert advisement, Manufacture Nevada empowers manufacturers to navigate the REAP application process from start to finish with confidence and efficacy.

Contact us to get started

Manufacture Nevada is here to help. USDA TAG funding is currently available to help eligible Nevada businesses obtain technical assistance needed to evaluate your energy improvement options and apply for USDA assistance. Eligible businesses receive energy audits and/or technical reports at no cost or obligation. Our team of Business Advisors at Manufacture Nevada is equipped with the knowledge and tools to help you navigate the next steps. Many of our clients are surprised to learn that USDA assistance can be used in addition to assistance provided by utility providers, and these projects may also qualify for other financial incentives such as tax credits. We receive funding from public sources to help subsidize the cost of our expert advisors and training, allowing us to capture opportunities like this for manufacturers only available through publicly funded programs.

More about USDA REAP

The purpose of the Rural Energy for America (REAP) Technical Assistance Grant (TAG) program is to provide technical assistance to agricultural producers and rural small businesses applying to REAP, with priority applicants from underserved communities, for applicants pursuing projects using underutilized technologies, or for applicants applying for grants under $20,000. This program helps increase American energy independence by increasing the private-sector supply of renewable energy, and by decreasing the demand for energy through energy efficiency improvements. Over time, these investments can also help lower the cost of energy costs for small businesses and agricultural producers.

This program is governed by:

• Grants: 7 CFR 4280, Subpart B
• Guaranteed Loans: 7 CFR 5001
• This program is authorized by TitleIX of the Agricultural Improvement Act of 2018, and the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022