Save Energy, Cut Costs, and Reduce Pollution with Green Business Grants

BRING’s Rethink Business Program is excited to announce the next round of Green Business Grants, with applications open as of November 17. This new cycle will award up to $1,500 to eligible small businesses looking to implement energy-efficient or sustainability-focused projects that reduce waste, conserve resources, and lower operating costs. Applications close on February 2, 2026.

The upcoming grant cycle builds on the success of last year’s program, which supported 26 small businesses across Lane County in making upgrades that save money and protect the environment.

The Green Business Grants Program is part of a national initiative led by the Green Business Engagement National Network (GBENN) in partnership with Intuit, the maker of QuickBooks, to help small businesses in five states cut energy use and operate more sustainably.

To qualify for funding, participating Lane County businesses must have fewer than 100 employees, generate less than $3.5 million in annual revenues, and achieve at least Ambassador Level certification in BRING’s Rethink Business Program, demonstrating a commitment to sustainable practices before grant funds are awarded.

“By making simple upgrades, local businesses are cutting costs while caring for both their community and the environment.”

– Sonya Carlson, Executive Director, BRING

Measurable impact in Lane County
In its first year, the program delivered significant results:

• 26 businesses supported across sectors including breweries, restaurants, retail, nonprofits, and more.
• $25,458 in rebates distributed directly to businesses.
• $3,815 in additional utility incentives leveraged.
• Projected annual savings of 75,995 kWh of electricity, reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 37.8 metric tons of CO2e – the equivalent of taking nearly 9 cars off the road each year.
• $28,597 in annual cost savings for participating businesses.

Project types
The most common completed projects included: LED lighting upgrades (24.3%), Energy-efficient appliance upgrades (21.6%), and Smart thermostats and water heater improvements (5.4% each). Other projects ranged from EV chargers and refrigeration maintenance to stormwater improvements, showing the flexibility of the program to meet businesses’ diverse needs.

Business Sectors Represented
Participation reflected the strength of Oregon’s diverse small business community. Breweries and wineries led the way with eight businesses taking part, followed by six food manufacturers. Restaurants, retail shops, and nonprofits or churches each had five participants. The program also reached into other areas of the local economy, supporting personal care businesses, coffee shops, agricultural operations, and even an automotive business—demonstrating its wide appeal and adaptability.

The following Lane County businesses received project funding up to $1,000 (linked names are members of the Springfield Chamber of Commerce):

Innovator
New Dream Family Center
QSL Print Communications
Sunriver Brewing – Oakway Pub
Threadbare Print House

Steward
Main St. Market
MECCA
Plaza De Nuestra Comunidad
Sweet Life Patisserie

Ambassador
B-Heavenly LLC
Blue Lotus Chai
Coast Fork Brewing
Dia Couttouw, Holistic Aromatherapist
Drop Bear Brewery
Falling Sky Brewing
First Congressional Church Eugene
Hula B’s Scrubs
Johnny Ocean’s Grille
Lovely
Moss
Oregon Fiber Traders
Pure Love Chocolate
Shine Counseling – Coburg Road
Sweet Cheeks Winery
Viking Brewing
Wandering Goat Coffee Co.
WildCraft Cider Works

About BRING
BRING is a Eugene-based home and garden thrift store committed to recovering construction waste and building materials from the waste stream, providing environmental education to Lane County communities, and highlighting the importance of reuse. Today, we focus on the urgent issues of consumption, climate change, and community resiliency. Through these initiatives we fulfill our mission to provide vision, leadership and tools for living well on the planet we share. BRING has consistently been voted one of the “100 Best Green Workplaces in Oregon.”