New Electric Kitchen Equipment a Game-Changer for SoupSmith |
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Grant and Emily Smith, owners of SoupSmith and Salt & Vinegar in Louisville’s new Relish Food Hall, knew they wanted their kitchens to be all-electric from the start. “We inherited old gas equipment at our first location,” says Grant Smith. “It worked, but it kept our cooking hidden under a hood and created unnecessary heat and emissions.”
When they moved SoupSmith into Relish, PACE helped them replace outdated gas appliances with high-efficiency electric kitchen equipment, including induction soup wells, a double convection oven, a two-burner induction cooktop, and a steam kettle. “We never could have made the switch without PACE,” Smith says. “It was so easy. Just a quick call, some basic info, and they connected us with a great equipment dealer. The process was faster than renewing my car registration.” (And take it from us, that’s pretty darn fast!)
The benefits were immediate. The new induction soup wells heat soup from cold to ready-to-serve in under an hour and then keep it at perfect, food-safe temperatures without scorching. “It’s changed everything,” says Smith. “We can cook in front of customers, talk with them, and let them smell what’s cooking. It’s interactive, consistent, and our team loves it.” For Smith, the decision to go electric wasn’t just about efficiency—it was about safety, air quality, and creating the best guest experience. “There’s no reason to stick with gas when electric can do the same job or better.”
Are you interested in replacing old gas equipment with cleaner, more efficient electric options? Contact PACE’s expert advisors (303-786-7223 or info@pacepartners.com) to learn how to get started. |
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Circular Economy Fund now accepting applications |
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Boulder County Public Works’ Resource Conservation Division is now accepting applications for the 2026 Circular Economy Fund. Eligible initiatives can receive grants between $1,000 and $30,000.
The fund supports resource diversion improvements - preventing materials from going into a landfill or other harmful ends - and focuses on projects targeting consumer behavior, materials collection/processing, and sustainable manufacturing and design.
Applications are open through Sept. 30, 2025. Organizations including local governments, nonprofits, school districts, and private businesses within Boulder County, the City and County of Broomfield, and the Town of Erie are encouraged to apply.
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Zero Waste Grants and Incentives |
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PACE works with the cities of Boulder, Lafayette, and Longmont to provide support for businesses looking to comply with local Zero Waste ordinances and transition from single-use items to reusable solutions.
Items that qualify for grants or incentives include but are not limited to: - Durables dishware
- Reusable takeout containers
- Dishwashers
Businesses in these municipalities can also receive free bins to help with composting and/or recycling. Grants and incentives are available on a first come, first served basis while supplies and funding lasts.
Other resources are available to all Boulder County businesses looking to reduce waste going into landfills and to educate employees on best practices. Visit our website to learn more! |
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Large Building Decarbonization Showcase Grant coming soon! |
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The Colorado Energy Office (CEO) is launching a $35 million grant program to help buildings 50,000 square feet and larger cut energy use and emissions. The Large Building Decarbonization Showcase will fund projects that demonstrate practical, cost-effective ways to meet or exceed Colorado’s 2030 energy reduction goals.
Funding can cover up to 65% of project costs (capped at $2M) or 50% of planning costs (up to $50K). Eligible applicants must be covered under Building Performance Colorado and in compliance with benchmarking requirements.
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Update: Funding to Electrify Food Trucks |
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The deadline to apply for 2025 grant funding for the Regional Air Quality Council’s (RAQC) Engines Off program is Oct. 31. Funding for next year is planned to reopen in early 2026.
As a reminder, the Engines Off program grants owners of mobile businesses up to 80% of the cost of electrification, up to $20,000. This includes swapping out your expensive, loud, air polluting generator with a quiet fully electric power station. Starting from scratch? Grant recipients with no generator to recycle are eligible for a grant up to 70% of costs, up to $20,000.
All incentives require pre-qualification. To learn more, contact PACE today at 303-786-7223 or info@pacepartners.com. |
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Check your Fleet Vehicles for Leaks to Avoid Contaminating Waterways |
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If your business has vehicles and equipment to maintain, check parking spots for evidence of leaks and repair them promptly. Store hazardous auto fluids and waste indoors or in a sealed container to prevent spills and dispose of them responsibly at auto shops or with the Hazardous Waste Disposal for Businesses program. Learn more about how your business can protect waterways on the Keep it Clean Partnership website. |
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Efficiency Works Business Electrification Assistance |
Thinking about electrifying your business or fleet? Efficiency Works Business provides expert support to help you navigate building, process, and fleet electrification while considering financial and environmental impacts.
Funding is available to offset the cost of working with a consultant to develop a plan for electrifying building loads, process loads, and vehicle fleets. Additional funding can help businesses identify a path to compliance with Colorado’s Building Performance Standards. Preapproval is required before starting work with an Efficiency Works-listed Service Provider.
Incentives are available to commercial customers of Estes Park Power and Communications, Fort Collins Utilities, Longmont Power & Communications or Loveland Water and Power. |
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Energize Your Business with Services from Xcel |
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Xcel Energy believes strong communities are built on strong partnerships. That’s why their business programs are designed to do more than deliver energy – they also spark collaboration, fuel local innovation, and support business that make Boulder County thrive. From energy efficiency incentives to sustainability consulting, they’re proud to stand alongside the local business community as a trusted partner in progress.
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