Essex County organizations host free Small Business Cost Savings workshop on April 5

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

United Way of Greater Newark (UWGN) is teaming up with PSE&G and Greater Newark Enterprises Corporation (GNEC) to host a virtual workshop detailing energy-saving opportunities dedicated to helping Small Businesses, including PSE&G’s Direct Install program, on Wednesday, April 5 at 6 p.m.

Small Businesses throughout the greater Essex County area can attend the event by registering online at https://bit.ly/SB-Essex.

“Every bit of savings can make a difference for small businesses,” United Way of Greater Newark President and CEO Catherine Wilson said. “United Way of Greater Newark is committed to helping Small Businesses within our footprint succeed long-term. That includes making sure that they are aware of cost-saving opportunities such as PSE&G’s Direct Install program.”

The Direct Install program offers turn-key solutions for municipalities, small businesses, and non-profit facilities. The program is designed to support the implementation of comprehensive, cost-effective, energy-efficient measures for eligible customers in the PSE&G service area. The program benefits include free facility assessment, installation of approved energy-saving equipment, inspections to assure quality and savings, and reduced energy consumption and costs. Savings realized through energy efficiency improvements can allow businesses a greater opportunity to invest in their business, developing or enhancing products and services that can be revenue generators.

The Direct Install Program can help uncover hidden facility energy savings that can cut energy costs by as much as 30%. When the work is complete, customers repay as little as 20% of the total project cost—interest-free—over 60 months on their PSE&G bill (or in one lump-sum payment, if preferred).

“The City of Newark has a rich and vibrant history, and it’s one we are extremely proud to be a part of,” said Craig Bartley, PSE&G Director of Energy Services. “We’re thrilled to offer this information session focused on the Direct Install energy efficiency program, which supports our small business community and is a key component of Newark’s bright and efficient future.”

Wednesday’s workshop is the latest in a series of attempts by United Way of Greater Newark and Greater Newark Enterprises Corporation to assist Small Businesses. After providing grants to over 120 Small Businesses during COVID-19, United Way of Greater Newark recognized a significant need among Small Businesses for backend support and general assistance. With that in mind, United Way has supported Greater Newark Enterprises Corporation’s BackStop Program, which explores three tracks that small businesses can enroll in to enhance their backend systems and processes. The year-long tracks teach bookkeeping; building business credit; and branding, website, and digital marketing.

“We at Greater Newark Enterprises Corporation encourage the small businesses that we serve to take advantage of every opportunity to decrease their expenses, and this program would be a great way to not only improve cash flow but to also make a positive impact on the environment through more efficient energy consumption,” GNEC Program Director Al Alvarez said.