Business Energy Retrofit

DBRBusiness Energy Retrofit (BER) grants are funded by Iron Range Resources & Rehabilitation and administered through a partnership with Arrowhead Economic Opportunity Agency (AEOA) to assist business owners with energy-efficient improvements. 

Contact: Erik Bennett from AEOA, Erik.Bennett@aeoa.org or 218-322-6512.

Grant Cycle Dates: July 1, 2025 - August 1, 2025

We encourage businesses to apply at any time for a chance to receive a BER grant. There is zero risk. The next application review will be held in 2-3 months. (Work cannot begin prior to approval and site inspection).

 

Eligible Applicants:  Small business owners located within Iron Range Resources and Rehabilitation's service area.

 
FY26 Business Energy Retrofit (BER) Guidelines
FY24 Business Energy Retrofit Grant Program Evaluation
 
Success Story

Victual LR

Small business owners Paul Kirkman and Paul VanderWaal were awarded a Business Energy Retrofit grant to help make energy efficiency upgrades to Victual, a specialty store with unique gourmet food and first-of-its-kind super premium ice cream that is lactose-free while still being full dairy. Victual is located in a historic 1911 building on Crosby’s main street and sells artisan cheeses, charcuterie, packaged gourmet goods, specialty distilled spirits, kitchen and home gifts, and Kirkman’s own brand of ice cream, Rave Creamworks. Paul and Paul expanded their current store size by remodeling an adjacent empty space. The BER grant helped pay for energy efficient lighting, insulation, electrical and windows.