Community Centered Growth
We’re working with your local power company partners to stimulate underserved communities across our region—by starting from within. This fledgling initiative assists small businesses with energy-related upgrades and resources, helping boost their productivity and sustainability.
Invigorating communities from the inside out.
When margins are slim, lower energy costs can make all the difference for struggling small businesses. Community Centered Growth (CCG) invigorates small businesses with energy-efficient upgrades and access to energy resources. This kind of support for area business can instill a sense of opportunity among neighbors and empower sustainable growth in communities that need it most.
Cooking up energy savings.
CCG was a dream come true for the owners of Sac’s Kitchen. See how TVA EnergyRight helped the beloved soul food restaurant in Huntsville, Alabama save on utility bills and improve operations and comfort with much-needed equipment and lighting upgrades.
Learn more.How are communities selected?
This initiative is new and expanding, so it’s still somewhat limited in its reach. Currently, community selections are based on program availability and community classification. The communities eligible for CCG fall within National Opportunity Zones—these are underserved areas identified by census data and take into account factors like income and population. These zones can represent whole communities or small pockets within larger cities.
Could your small business qualify? Let’s find out.
These are the factors considered when selecting small business partners within underserved communities.
The building is at least 10 years old with no major renovations in the last two years.
The space has been occupied for at least six months.
The ideal space size is under 10,000 ft2, but cannot be over 20,000 ft2.
National accounts/chains are not eligible.
Business can’t be owned by a local power company or TVA employee or board member.
Retail spaces, restaurants, and other community-centric businesses are ideal candidates.
Which businesses are not eligible for partnership? Examples include quick cash, firearms, tobacco or liquor stores.
Enjoy the sweet taste of energy efficiency.
Our Community Centered Growth (CCG) program is committed to helping small businesses save on their energy costs. Big Al’s Deli is a staple in the Salemtown community of Nashville, TN. Alfonso “Big Al” Anderson Jr. has gotten by using pre-owned equipment that often wasn’t energy-efficient. In partnership with Nashville Electric Service, CCG provided him with a new double convection oven, an energy efficient HVAC and LED lights. He’s already saving $500 a month on his utility bill!
Learn moreSmall businesses, big energy upgrades.
Here are some of the most common—and most beneficial—energy upgrades we conduct for our small business partners.
Lighting: LED lights not only save tenants energy and money but also brighten up your space.
Security Lighting: Outdoor lighting improvements increase safety by illuminating previously dark areas.
HVAC: Heating and air improvements increases the comfort within the building for both staff and patrons.
Kitchen Upgrades: Replacing kitchen equipment improves cooking times and shelf life, while also saving businesses energy and money.
Business & Industry resources.
We’re here for you. Together we can do great things.
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