​Overview

A business is designated as a small business stationary source under the APCA if it meets the following conditions:

• is owned or operated by a person that employs one hundred (100) or fewer individuals;
• is a small business as defined in the Small Business Act (Public Law 85-536, 15 U.S.C. § 78a et seq.);
• is not a major stationary source;
• does not emit fifty (50) tons per year of any regulated pollutant; and
• emits less than seventy-five (75) tons per year of all regulated pollutants.

A business may petition the Department to be designated as a small business for the purpose of the APCA under certain conditions and only if it does not emit more than one hundred (100) tons per year of all regulated pollutants.

The Department may under certain conditions exclude from the definition of "small business stationary source" in the APCA any category or subcategory of sources that the Department determines to have sufficient technical and financial capabilities to meet the requirements of the APCA and CAA without the resources of the small business environmental assistance program.

Links to the relevant sections of the authorizing regulations are provided below.

• Section 507 federal CAA (Section (a))
• Section 7.7 PA APCA

Most of these activities are implemented by a contracted service provider. Some responsibilities are carried out by Department staff. The responsibilities of the SBEAP established by the CAA and APCA include but are not limited to:

• Development, collection, and coordination of information concerning compliance methods and technologies for small businesses and programs to encourage small business compliance with the APCA and CAA.
• Assisting small businesses with pollution prevention and accidental release detection and prevention, including providing information concerning alternative technologies, process changes and products and methods of operation that help reduce air pollution.
• Administering a compliance assistance program for small businesses which assists them in determining applicable requirements and in receiving permits under the APCA in a timely and efficient manner.
• Assuring that small businesses receive notice of their rights under the APCA and CAA in a way that ensures reasonably adequate time for small businesses to evaluate compliance methods and any relevant or applicable proposed or final rulemaking plan, SIP revision or program issued under the APCA or CAA.
• Informing small businesses of their obligations under the APCA and CAA, including mechanisms for referrals to qualified auditors or, at the Department's option, for providing audits of the operations of such sources to determine compliance with the APCA and CAA.
• Development of procedures for consideration of requests from a small business for modification of:
  • any work practice or technological method of compliance; or
  • the schedule of milestones for implementing such work practice or method of compliance preceding any applicable compliance date based on the technological and financial capability of any small business, with some limitations.
• Soliciting input from and exchanging information with the Office of Small Business Ombudsman regarding compliance requirements for small businesses.
• Collecting and sharing information with small businesses, including, but not limited to:
• • small business guidance manuals indicating the categories of small businesses subject to the requirements of the APCA and CAA, specific compliance requirements and options, a schedule of compliance deadlines and other pertinent information.
  • a toll-free telephone number dedicated to questions involving small business compliance, which is provided by the contracted technical assistance provider.
• Ensuring confidentiality of information received from small businesses.
• Implementing procedures for conducting confidential, on-site consultations with small businesses regarding applicability of compliance requirements.

Links to the relevant sections of the authorizing regulations are provided below.

• Section 507 federal CAA (Section (e))
• Section 7.8 PA APCA

The responsibilities of the SBCAC established by the CAA and APCA include but are not limited to:

• Provide guidance and recommendations to the Department on the development of the SBEAP and SBCAC.
• Advise the Department concerning the effectiveness of the SBEAP and SBCAC, including difficulties encountered and degree and severity of enforcement.
• Work with the SBEAP and SBO to develop and disseminate of such reports and advisory opinions.
• Review information for small businesses to assure such information is understandable by the layperson.
• Review and advise the Department on rulemakings, state implementation plans and programs under the APCA and CAA which affect small businesses.
• Make recommendations for the development of programs to assist compliance for small businesses, including technical and financial assistance programs.

Links to the relevant sections of the authorizing regulations are provided below.

• Section 507 federal CAA (Section (d))
• Section 7.9 PA APCA

The responsibilities of the SBO established by the CAA and APCA include but are not limited to:

• Soliciting input from small businesses regarding compliance with the APCA and CAA and interact with organizations representing small businesses, including Small Business Development Centers, the Small Business Administration, industry and trade associations and other entities.
• Providing guidance and recommendations to the Department on the development, content and operation of the SBEAP.
• Collecting and distributing information and materials on the requirements of the APCA and CAA.
• Reporting to the SBEAP on problems and difficulties experienced by small businesses in complying with the APCA and CAA.
• Serving on the SBCAC established by section 7.8 of the APCA.
• Reviewing and providing comments and recommendations to the US Environmental Protection Agency and the Department regarding the development and implementation of regulations that impact small businesses.
• Arranging for and assisting in the preparation of guidance documents by the SBEAP to ensure that the language is readily understandable by the layperson.
• Assisting small businesses in locating sources of funding for compliance with the requirements of the APCA and CAA.
• Providing annual reports to the Governor and General Assembly on the effectiveness of the SBEAP, including summarizing activities of the SBEAP, SBO, SBCAC, technical assistance provider, and other small business environmental assistance providers. The reports will also provide analysis of the impact of implementation of the CAA and APCA on small businesses in the Commonwealth.
• Assisting the Department in the preparation of the Regulatory Analysis Form for any questions relating to small businesses, including economic impact, actions by other states, controls strategies and alternate compliance strategies.

The SBO Office produces annual reports that provide detail about small business environmental compliance in Pennsylvania, including activities of the SBO, SBCAC, and the technical assistance provider. It also provides information about other environmental compliance assistance providers. Annual Reports can be accessed here.

The following brochures and handouts are available electronically on the Department’s eLibrary.

• PA Small Business Environmental Assistance Program (SBEAP) Brochure
• PA DEP Small Business Ombudsman Office (SBOO) Brochure
• Small Business Advantage Grant (SBAG) Brochure
• Small Business Advantage Grant (SBAG) Natural Resource Protection Projects Brochure
• Small Business Pollution Prevention Assistance Account (PPAA) Loan Program Brochure
• Southwestern PA Small Business Resource Guide Handout (available soon)

The Small Business Advantage Grant (SBAG) Program provides matching grant funds to small businesses in Pennsylvania to replace or upgrade equipment or to implement process changes to improve energy efficiency or reduce pollution, saving these businesses money and improving the environment. The funds can also be used by agricultural businesses to implement Best Management Practices to reduce pollution in Pennsylvania’s waterways. Projects will be eligible for larger grants if the project is in an Environmental Justice area or if the project achieves significant environmental savings.

Pennsylvania-based businesses with 100 or fewer full-time employees are eligible. Eligible applications are considered on a first-come, first served basis until funding is exhausted. The grant is typically offered once per year, opening around the end of July. Visit the Small Business Advantage Grant Program website for additional information.

The Pollution Prevention Assistance Account (PPAA) loan can help lower expenses, reduce pollution, decrease a business’s waste stream, or use energy more efficiently. These are savings that flow directly to a business’s bottom line. Any small business owner interested in undertaking a project to reduce waste, pollution or energy should consider applying for this low-cost loan.

Pennsylvania-based business with 100 or fewer full-time employees are eligible. Loans can be used to fund 75 percent of the total project cost, up to a maximum of $100,000. The interest rate is capped at 2% and has a maximum term of 10 years. The PPAA loan is open-ended and does not have a close date, however, funds may be limited due to availability. For project eligibility, visit the PPAA Loan website, or contact the Ombudsman’s office.

Other funding programs are available through the Department’s Grants Center. The Department’s Grants Center Grants, Loans, and Rebates website provides information about all funding programs available from the Department. Not all the programs listed are targeted towards small businesses, but they may still be applicable to your project. Projects are sorted by eligible applicant type. Programs can also be sorted by which programs are currently open for applications.

Many resources are available from the Department’s Energy Programs Office. The Department’s Energy Programs Office (EPO) functions as the Pennsylvania Energy Office and is Pennsylvania's main contact to the U.S. Department of Energy. The office assists, educates, and encourages Pennsylvanians to advance conservation and efficient use of diverse energy resources to provide for a healthier environment and to achieve greater energy security for future generations. Information about financial options is available on EPO’s Financial Options website. Not all the programs listed are targeted towards small businesses, but they may still be applicable to your project. In addition to what is listed on the website, EPO also administers the following programs that may be of interest to small businesses.

• Agriculture Energy Efficiency Rebate Program
• Solar Energy Resource Hub / Solar Energy for Business

The Department of Community and Economic Development administers several funding programs that may be of interest to small businesses. A full list of programs is available on DCED’s Programs and Funding website.

The Emerging Technologies Application Center (ETAC) is located at Northampton Community College. ETAC’s mission is to help manufacturers implement electric drying and curing technologies that increase production, improve energy efficiency and reduce environmental impact of their manufacturing processes.

The Pennsylvania Technical Assistance Program (PennTAP) is based at the Pennsylvania State University (Penn State). PennTAP helps Pennsylvania business and industry improve their competitiveness by providing free scientific and technological assistance and information to help resolve specific technical questions or problems that can be addressed within a limited amount of time.

Pennsylvania’s seven Industrial Resource Centers (IRC) serve as the state’s lead economic development organizations, providing support to the manufacturing community. The IRCs specialize in providing technical assistance to the manufacturing sector by assisting companies with improved bottom line strategies, productivity enhancement and waste elimination, and with topline growth by supporting strategic initiatives, new and improved products, market differentiation and workforce development strategies.

• Manufacturers Resource Center - Serving Lehigh, Berks, Carbon, Schuylkill and Northampton Counties.
• IMC - Serving Lycoming, Montour, Northumberland, Union, Snyder, Clinton, Centre, Mifflin, Juniata, Huntingdon, Blair and Bedford Counties.
• NWIRC - Serving Erie, Crawford, Mercer, Venango, Warren, Forest, Clarion, McKean, Elk, Jefferson, Clearfield, Cameron and Potter Counties.
• MANTEC - Serving Adams, Cumberland, Dauphin, Franklin, Fulton, Lancaster, Lebanon, Perry and York Counties.
• Delaware Valley Industrial Resource Center - Serving Chester, Montgomery, Delaware, Philadelphia and Bucks Counties.
• Northeastern Pa Industrial Resource Center - Serving Tioga, Bradford, Sullivan, Columbia, Luzerne, Wyoming, Susquehanna, Lackawanna, Wayne, Pike and Monroe Counties.
• Catalyst Connection - Serving Lawrence, Beaver, Washington, Greene, Fayette, Somerset, Cambria, Indiana, Armstrong, Butler, Allegheny and Westmoreland Counties.

Lehigh University's Industrial Assessment Center (IAC) – provides industrial assessment service to small and medium-sized manufacturing companies in eastern Pennsylvania and New Jersey. The center is funded by the U.S. Department of Energy as a part of a national program to perform no-cost industrial assessments for small to medium sized industries.

The 1990 Clean Air Act Amendments required states to develop programs to help small businesses comply with air quality regulations. These state programs have three components: a small business compliance assistance program made up of small business environmental assistance providers' programs (SBEAP), a small business ombudsman (SBO) and a compliance advisory panel (CAP). These components work together and are monitored by the U.S. EPA asbestos and small business ombudsman (EPA ASBO).

In an effort to help encourage better communication around the country between state technical assistance programs and the EPA, a national steering committee (NSC), representing state SBO/SBEAPs, and a national CAP (for state CAPs) have been formed. Through these coordinated efforts, state programs are able to tackle issues relevant to their purpose and share information to help avoid duplication of effort.

The National Steering Committee is called the National Small Business Environmental Assistance Program (National SBEAP). See the website for small business compliance tools, news, resources, and state contacts.

The Compliance Assistance Centers offer easy access to plain-language materials and other resources on environmental compliance. Compliance Assistance Centers help businesses, colleges and universities, local governments, tribes and federal facilities understand and comply with environmental requirements and save money through pollution prevention techniques.

The US Environmental Protection Agency provides a wholesale approach to compliance assistance through the Compliance Assistance Centers, including Next Generation Compliance ("NextGen"). The traditional inspection is now being augmented by advanced technologies and processes. NextGen helps reduce costs and saves time and resources, while improving compliance.

The PA Department of Environmental Protection’s (DEP) mission is to protect Pennsylvania's air, land and water from pollution and to provide for the health and safety of its citizens through a cleaner environment. We will work as partners with individuals, organizations, governments and businesses to prevent pollution and restore our natural resources.

DEP Energy Programs Office - DEP's Energy Programs Office (EPO) functions as the Pennsylvania Energy Office and is PA's main contact to the U.S. Department of Energy.

DEP Office of Environmental Justice - The Office of Environmental Justice was established as a point of contact for Pennsylvania residents in low income areas and areas with a higher number of minorities. Its primary goal is to increase communities' environmental awareness and involvement in the DEP permitting process.

DEP Bureau of Air Quality - DEP's Bureau of Air Quality is responsible for safeguarding the health of Pennsylvanians by achieving the goals of the federal Clean Air Act and the Pennsylvania Air Pollution Control Act. The bureau develops air quality regulations, conducts meteorological tracking and air quality modeling studies and reviews; develops transportation control measures and other mobile source programs.

DEP Bureau of Waste Management - DEP's Bureau of Waste Management manages the statewide hazardous, municipal, and residual waste programs. The office also oversees implementation of municipal waste planning and recycling, waste transportation, and the Covered Device Recycling Act.

DEP Office of Water Programs and Office of Water Resources Planning - DEP's Office of Water Programs administers and oversees departmental programs involving surface and groundwater quantity and quality planning, and soil and water conservation. DEP's Office of Water Resources Planning oversees Pennsylvania's membership within interstate river basin organizations, administers the Department's Coastal Resources Management Program (CRM) for Pennsylvania's two coastal areas, the Delaware Estuary and Lake Erie, and manages the Great Lakes Program that provides oversight of the Commonwealth's international and regional level Great Lakes water quality and watershed-related initiatives and commitments.

DEP Small Business Environmental Assistance Program - The PA SBEAP is a technical assistance program available to small businesses in Pennsylvania that need help with environmental issues and compliance with the Department or US Environmental Protection Agency requirements.

DEP Regional Resources - DEP's Regional Offices are responsible for implementing department programs through permitting, inspection, enforcement, and other field services for environmental and public health protection; program and technical support to Pennsylvania's 66 conservation districts; and compliance assistance to our regulated community. In addition, staff in the regional offices provide assistance to the public in the form of emergency response, disaster recovery, pollution prevention, and energy assistance and complaint response.

• EPA Environmental Compliance Assistance
• EPA Small Business Environmental Compliance Assistance
• EPA Resources for Small Businesses
• EPA Small Business Resources Information Sheet
• EPA Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization
• EPA Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR)

The PA Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) has a Business One-Stop-Shop for business that provides the information needed to start or relocate a business in Pennsylvania. The Pennsylvania Business One-Stop Shop is a state government office equipped with knowledge, information, and resources for businesses both large and small. Serving as the first point of contact for Pennsylvania business development concerns, the staff helps connect and guide businesses through all stages of development — from planning and startup to operating and expanding. Guidance and contact information is available here. DCED also has a Small Business Assistance website.

The Small Business Development Center (SBDC) network consists of 15 centers that serve all 67 Pennsylvania counties. The Pennsylvania SBDC provides consulting services and business training to entrepreneurs looking to start or grow their small business. SBDC consultants work with entrepreneurs in confidential, one-on-one sessions to help them with a range of business issues including testing a new business proposition, shaping a business plan, investigating funding opportunities, and much more. Find your local SBDC on the SBDC website.

Designed to enhance the long-term vitality of Pennsylvania farms, the Agricultural Business Development Center (ABDC) is focused on providing support for sound business planning, efficient transitions of farm ownership, strategic farm expansion, diversification of agricultural production, and in building a team of financial and technical expertise as a resource for Pennsylvania farmers.

The PA Department of State’s Bureau of Corporations and Charitable Organizations maintains the records repository of more than 3 million companies that do business in the Commonwealth and serves as the centralized filing office for Uniform Commercial Code financing statements. In order to register a business, you will need to file with the Bureau.

Are you seeking to do business with the Commonwealth? Does your small business offer materials or services the Commonwealth may be seeking? The PA Department of General Services Bureau of Diversity, Inclusion, and Small Business Opportunities provides the information and assistance you need to navigate the commonwealth’s procurement process. Learn how to get certified as a Small Business (SB) and have your third-party certification verified as a Small Diverse Business (SDB) - businesses owned by minorities, women, service-disabled veterans, individuals with disabilities, and members of the LGBTQIA+ community; or Veteran-Business Enterprise (VBE). Certifying your business with the Commonwealth can provide access to opportunities, resources, and support. The Department of General Services offers a range of services to help SB/SDB/VBE companies succeed, including training and education programs, networking opportunities, and marketing support.