Commercial Electric Landscaping Equipment Grant

Commercial landscaping is a critical part of our local economy and environment. However, commercial landscaping equipment contributes to worsening air quality and neighborhood noise pollution in the Front Range. Air pollution, including ground-level Ozone, has become an increasing concern for Larimer County residents. Operating a single commercial leaf blower for one hour emits as much pollution as driving a new light-duty passenger car for 15 hours. That’s comparable to driving 1,100 miles from Denver to Los Angeles!

1 hour of lawn mower use equals driving 300 miles

Source: Small Engine Fact Sheet

To protect our community and local commercial landscaping workforce from harmful exposure to air and noise pollution, Larimer County is providing grants to small businesses seeking to add commercial-grade electric landscaping equipment to their operations.

Grants will cover 100% of equipment costs up to $6,000. Grant recipients must cover sales tax and the cost of ongoing equipment maintenance and recycling. Grant recipients must purchase equipment from a pre-selected retailer, and all equipment must be from American Green Zone Alliance (AGZA) field-tested and certified brands. Grant recipients will also receive a complimentary TOWA Smart Charger and two fire safety blankets with their equipment order. We highly encourage minority and women-owned businesses to apply.

Business Eligibility Requirements

Business provides professional landscaping services.
Business serves at least three customers in Larimer County.
Business has 15 or fewer employees.
Business is willing to select AGZA field-tested and certified equipment brands from one of our partnering retailers.
Business is willing to pay sales tax on purchased equipment.
Businesses do not have to be registered in Larimer County.
Businesses do not need to have a brick-and-mortar facility.
Businesses do not need to operate solely in Larimer County to be eligible for the grant.
All information, technical support, and equipment services are available in English and Spanish, with additional language support as needed.
Equipment demonstrations are available to all grantees through our partnering retailers.

Eligible Equipment

This grant covers all equipment from American Green Zone Alliance (AGZA) Field Tested and Certified commercial landscaping equipment brands. AGZA tests its certified equipment to ensure the tools hold up to commercial use and there is adequate aftermarket support. Eligible equipment includes blowers, edgers, trimmers, chainsaws, and mowers from the following brands:
●    Stihl
●    Husqvarna
●    Makita
●    Kress
●    EGO
●    MeanGreen
●    TOWA

Free Safety Kits

Each grant will include a free safety kit which includes one 15A or 20A TOWA Smart Charger and two fire safety blankets to extinguish possible battery-related fires or sparks if safe to do so. Participating retailers will help grant recipients determine if a 15A or 20A charger is best for your operation. The chargers and fire blankets will be covered by Larimer County and not deducted from the $6,000 voucher.

Retail Partners

The Larimer County Department of Health and Environment is partnering with local retailers specializing in professional electric lawn care equipment and safety. The retailers will use their expertise to help grant recipients select the right eligible commercial landscape equipment, and accessories like batteries, backpack batteries, battery charging equipment, cables and carrying systems to get the most of your equipment. Be sure to work with your retailer to make sure you have all the accessories you need to meet your daily workload.

Retailers participating in the program for 2024-2025:
● Mac Equipment, Inc, 2116 W 1st St, Loveland, CO 80537
● High Altitude Equipment, 307 Welch Ave, Berthoud, CO 80513

Service available in Spanish at these locations.

NOTE: You can only select one store to purchase the equipment from. Once your application is approved, you will receive a voucher that can only be used at your selected retailer.

Grant Requirements

If you do not meet all the above criteria and would like to be considered, please fill out and submit the interest form and include detailed information in the exception request section. Grants are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis while funding is available.

Next Steps

Once you submit your application, staff from LCDHE will reach out to verify that your business meets the eligibility requirements and send you a voucher over email.

Apply Here - English

Aplicar aquí - Español

FAQs

What is a voucher and how do I apply for one?

Once you get the confirmation that you have been awarded a grant, you will receive an email with the electronic voucher document. That document is the voucher, and it needs your electronic signature and the signature of the LCDHE program manager to be valid. You can sign the document electronically directly when you open the document and fill in the highlighted boxes. You can also print the voucher, sign and email it back to LCDHE at EH@co.larimer.co.us An LCDHE staff member can help you if you are unsure of how to sign the document electronically. After both you and the LCDHE program manager have signed the voucher, the voucher becomes valid and active, and you can use it to purchase equipment in the retail store you selected.
To Apply:

Apply Here - English
Aplicar aquí - Español
Can I apply in person and/or using a paper application?

Yes. You can call 970.498.6775 or email EH@co.larimer.co.us to schedule a visit at LCDHE to receive assistance in completing the application or to pick up a printed version of the application. If you would prefer to apply online, please click here:

Apply Here - English
Aplicar aquí - Español
Can I apply for the grant twice?

At this time, you can only receive the grant once. In future years, we hope to open the grant application again for applicants to reapply. To apply, please click here:

Apply Here - English
Aplicar aquí - Español
When I apply for the grant, what information will be required to demonstrate the number of employees entered on the application?

An LCDHE staff member will contact you after your application has been received. At that time you will be asked to provide verbal confirmation on the number of employees.
When I apply for the grant, how can I prove that I operate in Larimer County if I do not have a registered business license and/or brick and mortar address?

Businesses will be asked to provide at least three current clients that are located in Larimer County.
How long will it take to know if my business qualifies for the grant?

After your business applies for the grant, LCDHE will review your application within two weeks. Next, a LCDHE staff member will call or email you to confirm whether your business meets the eligibility requirements and to confirm which retailer you plan to purchase your equipment from. The approval process may take between 1-3 weeks. Upon approval, you will receive your voucher and can purchase equipment at the selected retailer. If you have questions contact LCDHE at EH@co.larimer.co.us.
What happens after my business qualifies for the grant?

Selected applicants will receive a voucher and detailed instructions about where and how to redeem your voucher for equipment. You can redeem your voucher immediately upon receipt. Support with our retailers will be available in English and Spanish. All grant recipients must cover the Sales Tax associated with their purchase, as well as the cost of future maintenance. A free safety kit is provided with your purchase, and retailers can provide expert advice on safe, efficient equipment use. You MUST reach out to your designated retailer within 30 days of receiving your voucher, or else the voucher will be revoked.
What is covered by the grant/voucher?

The Commercial Electric Landscaping Equipment voucher covers 100% of the cost of electric landscape equipment from AGZA field tested and certified brands up to $6,000, before tax. The grant recipient is responsible for payment of sales tax.The grant recipient will also receive a free 15A or 20A TOWA Smart Charger and 2 free fire safety blankets. The voucher cannot be applied to prior purchases, can only be used ONCE per customer, and must be surrendered at the time of the purchase. The voucher is subject to product availability and has no cash redemption value.

Example 1: Nancy is a recipient of the Commercial Electric Landscaping Equipment grant. She will purchase one edger, one blower and two trimmers with the necessary batteries and chargers with the voucher she received. Nancy went to a designated retailer to purchase her equipment. The total equipment cost was $6,000.
- Equipment cost: $6,000
- Sales tax: $450
- Total cost: $6,450
- Grant cost coverage: $6,000 AND a complimentary TOWA Smart Charger AND two fire blankets
- Grant recipient contribution: $450 (grant recipient is responsible for taxes and any costs exceeding the $6000 grant limit)

Example 2: Eduardo is a recipient of the Commercial Electric Landscaping Equipment grant. He will purchase edgers, trimmers, and blowers with the necessary batteries and chargers with the voucher he received. Eduardo went to a designated retailer to purchase his equipment. The total equipment cost was $9,000.
- Equipment cost: $9,000
- Sales tax: $900
- Total: $9,900
- Grant cost coverage: $6,000 AND a complimentary TOWA Smart Charger AND two fire blankets (LCDHE grant limit of $6,000 reached)
- Grant recipient contribution: $3,900 (grant recipient is responsible for taxes and any costs exceeding the $6,000 grant limit)
What equipment and brands can I buy with the voucher?

The AGZA field-tested certified commercial landscaping list includes the following brands approved in the program: Stihl, Mean Green, Husqvarna, Makita, EGO and Kress. You can check the full list of eligible equipment brands on AGZA’s website. You cannot purchase equipment from brands that are not AGZA field-tested and certified.
When can I use the voucher?

Once you receive a signed and approved voucher, it is valid and can be used immediately at the selected retail store. Vouchers must be used within 40 days of the date it is issued. Retail partners are available for equipment demonstrations on-site or at grant applicants’ preferred locations.
Can I buy my equipment from different stores with the same voucher?

No. Your voucher is only valid at one program-authorized retailer which you have the opportunity to select during the grant application process.
How long is the voucher valid?

The voucher is valid for up to 40 days after the date it is issued. Grant recipients must contact the selected retailer within 30 days of the voucher issue date to begin the process or the voucher will be revoked. If the voucher is not used within 40 days, the voucher will be revoked and the grant recipient must reapply for the grant.
How do I know what equipment is eligible for the program?

Eligible equipment must be new, all-electric, and from an AGZA field-tested certified commercial landscaping equipment brand. You can only purchase equipment through designated retailers in Larimer County. The retailers will use their expertise to help participants choose the right and eligible commercial landscape equipment and accessories. You can view a list of eligible equipment brands in the AGZA AFTC Approved Equipment link.
Where can I purchase my equipment?

You must purchase your equipment at your pre-selected, program-authorized retailer. Your voucher will exclusively apply to the retailer you select. Retailers include:
a. Mac Equipment, Inc, 2116 W 1st St, Loveland, CO 80537
b. High Altitude Equipment, 307 Welch Ave, Berthoud, CO 80513
Do I have to purchase all of my equipment at once, and does it have to be at the same store?

You must purchase all equipment at one time from one store that is listed on your approved voucher. If the entire $6000 is not used at time of purchase, the funds will become available for other applicants.
Do you have training available to learn how to operate electric landscaping equipment properly?

Our retail partners are a great resource to learn about operating electric landscaping equipment. You can also find online training and workshops to learn how to operate electric landscaping equipment properly. The AGZA Service Pro Certificate Course-Level 1 is a great resource that teaches you all the fundamentals you need to know about transitioning to electric-powered low-impact land care.
What safety items are provided to ensure safe use of commercial lithium batteries?

We provide a free safety kit with your equipment order to help you use commercial lithium batteries safely. This kit includes a TOWA Smart Charger for safe charging. Your retailer can help determine if a 15A or 20A TOWA box is suitable based on your at-home or in-office charging capabilities. You will also receive two fire blankets to extinguish possible battery-related fires or sparks. You will receive the safety kit in store at the time of purchase. If you do not receive the safety equipment in store, please contact EH@co.larimer.co.us
How does my business safely recycle or dispose of commercial lithium-ion batteries?

For batteries below 300 Watt Hours, you can recycle them directly at Larimer County Hazardous Waste Facility located at the Larimer County Landfill. Loveland Recycling Center center recycling batteries of any size. For batteries above 300 Watt Hours, you can use one of our recommended services including Veolia or Call2Recycle.
Who is the American Green Zone Alliance (AGZA), and what is AGZA Field Tested and Certified Equipment? Why is this equipment required?

American Green Zone Alliance (AGZA) tests battery-electric equipment and provides the most credible advice on which manufacturers and tools are capable of commercial work production, and which can actually replace gas-powered equipment. AGZA Certified equipment provides the best possible results in commercial electric landscaping equipment on the market. To guarantee that grant recipients can successfully replace their gas-powered equipment, AGZA certified is the most trusted and certified way to go.

For More Information

Phone: 970.498.6775

Email: EH@co.larimer.co.us