Welcome to Sw.eLLWelcome to Swarthmore Electric Lawn program (Sw.eLL), the community-funded nonprofit program from A Few Steps that is committed to creating a cleaner, quieter, and more eco-friendly environment in Swarthmore. Switching from gas to electric lawn equipment is an important step towards reducing the environmental impact of lawn care.
However, we understand the cost of conversation to new electric equipment can be prohibitive for small business owners. That's why we are offering 0% loans to lawn service providers who want to switch from gas to electric. This is where we need your help. Our program utilizes the power of community funding. By supporting this program - providing a one-time, interest-free loan to Sw.eLL, which will be paid back - you can directly assist in the transition to electric equipment a reality, right here in our backyard. Sw.eLL aggregates community funding to offer a 0% loan to lawn service providers who meet our qualifying criteria. This community sourced loan - made possible by community members who are passionate about creating a cleaner and quieter environment - will cover a substantial portion of the costs involved in acquiring the required electric equipment for the qualifying lawn service provider. We believe that providing financial support to service providers who want to make the switch from gas to electric will not only benefit the environment but also create a positive impact on the local community. Terms & ConditionsPROGRAM GOALS: Improve air quality by exchanging older, polluting gasoline- or diesel-powered commercial lawn and garden equipment for new zero emission, battery electric commercial grade equipment for operation within Swarthmore.
ELIGIBILITY: Commercial gardeners and landscapers, local government agencies, school districts and colleges, and non-profit organizations are eligible to participate. One equivalent operable gasoline- or diesel-powered piece of lawn and garden equipment must be scraped to qualify for incentive funding towards battery electric replacement equipment. ?MANUFACTURERS: (TBD) Participating manufacturers of commercial lawn and garden equipment offer multiple retailer locations throughout the region. ?PROCESS: The 2023-24 Commercial Electric Lawn & Garden Equipment Incentive and Exchange (eL&G) Program will be an application-based process (first come first served)?. Eligible participants of the eL&G Program will apply to select new commercial-grade lawn and garden equipment. The participating retailers will apply for vouchers, which will be applied as a point-of-sale funds towards the purchase price of the new lawn and garden equipment. Prior to picking up the new equipment, the participating retailers will test the old lawn and garden equipment for operability, responsibly drain all fluids, before sending to license dismantler who will permanently destroy the old equipment. ?NEW EQUIPMENT: There will be an opportunity to select from a wide variety of available makes and models of commercial-grade electric lawn and garden equipment, including handheld trimmers, chainsaws, pruners, backpack and handheld blowers and ride-on, stand-on, and walk-behind lawn mowers. ?INCENTIVE FUNDING: The 2023-24 eL&G Program reduces the purchase price of the commercial-grade battery electric lawn and garden equipment. Up to 85% discount will be provided, up to the funding caps listed below (whichever is less). |
The ProgramThe power of community funding.
What we provide
What you provide
How you can support this program: You can support a local lawn service provider through the transition from gas to electric commercial equipment by providing a one-time 5-year, no-interest loan of $300 - this is a loan, not a donation, and will be paid back over the 5 year loan period. The program is available to all eligible participants who provide lawn care services in the geographic area within the Swarthmore jurisdiction. Did You Know..
Supporting the transition from gas-powered to electric lawn equipment is the perfect way to make our community cleaner, quieter, and more eco-friendly while saying goodbye to the deafening sounds and noxious fumes from gas blowers and mowers. (better yet, use a rake) Support Materials
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