Energy.gov

The Mountain Association for Community Economic Development (MACED) offers loans to small and mid-sized businesses, non-profits, schools and municipalities to improve energy efficiency through its Energy Efficient Enterprises program. Commercial loans can be used to purchase a wide-variety of equipment and to pay for energy efficiency upgrades and renewable energy installations. The micro-loans (up to $10,000, paid back within 4 years) may be used for lighting upgrades and the purchase of energy efficient, ENERGY STAR appliances. The program is flexible; the loans are designed to finance energy efficiency projects that maintain a positive cash flow due to the resulting energy savings. MACED has an energy specialist on staff to provide technical assistance to businesses and/or building contractors.

There is also financing available to pay for training, certification, travel and exams for installers of energy efficient and renewable energy systems.

Commercial loans are made throughout MACED's service area, which includes [http://www.maced.org/counties.htm 54 Appalachian counties] in Kentucky (as designated by the Appalachian Regional Commission).