HARRISBURG — On Wednesday, Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection Secretary Patrick McDonnell officially closed the 2017 Small Business Advantage Grant.

Nearly $1 million in funding was approved to help reduce costs, energy consumption and waste for 155 small businesses statewide.

“With nearly one million small businesses in Pennsylvania, the economy of the commonwealth relies heavily on these entrepreneurial ventures,” said McDonnell. “The Small Business Advantage Grant has helped small businesses cut their expenses, assisted in reducing or eliminating their environmental impact, and allowing them to be more competitive in local, regional and international markets.”

The range of savings per business was between $502 and $41,274 per year, with the average savings per business being $4,061.

In Elk County, the following grants were received: EHT Inc. for Elk County Heat Treaters Inc., in the amount of $8,526, which was coupled with a private investment of $8,527 for lighting and HVAC upgrades; Phaztech Inc., a grant of $3,786, which was coupled with a private investment of $4,447 for an LED lighting upgrade; Richard E. Krishart for Rick’s Used Auto Parts, in the amount of $3,722, coupled with private investment of $5,541 for an LED lighting upgrade; and St. Mary’s Box Company, in the amount of $7,000, coupled with an investment of $13,100, for an LED lighting upgrade.

Grants for McKean County went to Derek Dangelo for Dangelo Autobody & Towing, in the amount of $9,500, which was coupled with $11,564 in private investment for HVAC upgrade; and McKean County E-Sales, in the amount of $5,442, coupled with $5,442 in private investment for an LED lighting upgrade.

A grant for Potter County went to Larry Hamilton for Hamilton’s Maple Products, in the amount of $9,500. It was coupled with $20,678 in private investment for an evaporator upgrade.