Reap underutilized technology 24/31

The U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Rural Business Cooperative Services awarded a $250,000 Project Grant under the Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) to the Community Venture Foundation, doing business as Startup Junkie Foundation, a non-profit organization in Arkansas. The two-year grant, which commenced on June 24, 2024, will fund renewable energy systems and energy efficiency improvements for rural small businesses and agricultural producers in the region. Eligible projects supported through the grant may include solar panel installations, wind turbines, geothermal systems, energy-efficient lighting upgrades, HVAC improvements, and building insulation enhancements. This REAP grant, part of the USDA's efforts to promote renewable energy and energy efficiency in rural areas, aligns with the foundation's mission to support small business development and entrepreneurship initiatives.