Between the COVID-19 pandemic, the worker shortage, and inflation, the past few years have been rough on small-business owners. On top of these obstacles, business owners continue to face rising “natural” gas prices. In Ashland, Avista has raised rates for commercial customers by 19% since October — and that’s on top of an 18% rate hike between January 2021 and 2022.

The Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), passed in August, promises some relief from the soaring costs of running a business. This landmark legislation offers small-businesses and their landlords thousands of dollars in tax incentives for energy upgrades and workforce development. For example, tax credits cover up to 30% of the cost of switching to solar power and 30% of the purchase costs for electric trucks, vans, and other large vehicles.

Tapping into these resources can feel overwhelming, but community members can seek guidance at a free upcoming community discussion and support group on how the IRA benefits small businesses, including restaurants, lodging, civic and faith groups, shops, and galleries. The event will cover the range of tax incentives available to business-owners, how to find out which incentives you stand to benefit from, and whether you qualify. It will also cover how energy-efficiency upgrades can help small businesses save money over the long haul.