"The USDA’s REAP program is really a great deal," states Mr. Easter. "The program offers a grant for small businesses and agriculture producers to increase energy efficiency or install renewable energy systems such as wind or solar. That’s right - free money for you business to increase energy efficiency. They also have a guaranteed loan program which can be used for up to 50% of the project costs. When the 25% grant is coupled with a guaranteed loan, a renewable energy or energy efficiency project could have as little as 25% out of pocket costs," he concludes. The process starts with an assessment of the potential energy project by a USDA qualified assessor. The deadline is approaching fast for projects to be funded in 2010. The latest an application can be accepted by the USDA for funding this year is 30 Jun 2010. "There is still time to get energy improvements and renewable energy projects funded this year, but small businesses that would like this money need to act quickly".