Supporting the Small Businesses That Support Our Communities

Running a small business is no small feat. With rising costs, growing competition, and evolving customer expectations, business owners are constantly seeking ways to stay resilient and competitive. One often-overlooked solution? Energy efficiency. 

In celebration of National Small Business Week, we’re highlighting how energy efficiency can help small businesses thrive. They are the cornerstones of their communities—creating jobs, supporting local economies, and bringing unique value to the neighborhoods they serve. At Resource Innovations, we’re proud to partner with utilities across the country to help small businesses lower energy costs, improve comfort, and reinvest savings where it matters most. 

Customized Solutions & Incentives for Small Businesses 

One of the major barriers small businesses face in adopting energy-efficient technologies is the upfront cost. However, numerous incentives and rebates are available to help offset these expenses. These incentives make energy efficiency more accessible, ensuring small businesses can implement energy-saving strategies without straining their budgets. 

At Resource Innovations, we deliver tailored energy solutions that fit the unique needs of each business, helping them lower utility bills without sacrificing productivity. Whether it’s LED lighting, HVAC upgrades, or ventilation improvements, we help businesses find the smartest path to energy savings —while maximizing available incentives and rebates to reduce costs. 

Success Stories from Across the Map 

In Iowa, our work with MidAmerican Energy brings the Small Business Express program to life. Designed to make energy upgrades simple and affordable, the program offers: 

• Free, on-site energy assessments 

• Personalized recommendations for efficiency upgrades 

• Incentives covering up to 70% of project costs 

• Quick, expert installation through local contractors 

Small towns and businesses are already seeing big results: 

A great example is the City of New Market, which upgraded outdated lighting across six municipal buildings—including city hall, the public library, and maintenance shops. Switching to LED fixtures is saving the city $2,865 annually in electricity costs. The upgrades also mean fewer maintenance issues and better visibility in both indoor and outdoor spaces. 

At JTV Manufacturing in Sutherland, lighting upgrades are helping to lower energy costs while improving safety and visibility on the production floor. 

In Indiana, our partnership with CenterPoint Energy brings energy efficiency to small businesses and nonprofits that are often overlooked by traditional programs. 

A recent example comes from a church seeking to reduce energy costs and improve comfort for its congregation. After a comprehensive energy audit, our team installed high-efficiency heat pumps and WiFi-enabled thermostats to modernize the church’s aging HVAC system. The result? Over $7,000 in estimated annual energy savings and a much more comfortable space for year-round services and gatherings. 

In California, we have partnered with PG&E to offer an energy efficiency program that benefits local businesses of all types. PG&E has highlighted the program in a new advertising campaign that shows the power of straightforward upgrades—like efficient refrigeration, lighting, or HVAC improvements—to cut costs and increase comfort. 

• 30-second ad 

• 60-second ad 

Whether it’s a family-run restaurant or a neighborhood convenience store, energy upgrades help business owners put more resources into what makes their work meaningful. 

Building Resilience, One Business at a Time 

At Resource Innovations, we believe energy efficiency should be accessible to all—regardless of size, budget, or industry. That’s why we design programs in partnership with utilities to meet small businesses where they are—with minimal disruption and maximum impact. 

This Small Business Week, we celebrate the drive, creativity, and resilience of the small business community. And we remain committed to helping them unlock the benefits of a more efficient, sustainable future.