Ohio Air Quality Development Authority

10/30/2026 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 10/30/2026 16:04

Helping Small Businesses Navigate the Shift Away from PERC

October 30, 2026

By Hannah Poling

For Ohio's small businesses that use perchlorethylene (PERC), transitioning to alternative equipment requires an investment in necessary upgrades. Securing the capital to make those changes can be a challenge for businesses balancing compliance needs with day-to-day operating costs and other priorities.

OAQDA is committed to helping small businesses navigate this challenge. As the Small Business Ombudsman, we are listening, learning, and working to understand the needs of affected businesses so our financing tools can help them make the necessary investments, protect jobs, and remain viable in their communities.

Access to financing can help bridge that gap. The Small Business Clean Air Program (SBCAP) is designed to help eligible small businesses access capital for qualifying equipment upgrades, making the transition away from PERC more attainable while supporting their continued success.

What is PERC, and Why is It Being Phased Out?

PERC, a known carcinogen, has historically been used in commercial and industrial applications including dry cleaning and certain manufacturing processes.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has taken action to restrict and phase out certain uses of PERC after identifying risks associated with exposure. Requirements vary depending on how and where PERC is used.

OAQDA Helped Two Cincinnati Dry Cleaners Transition from PERC

Apparel Care Cleaners

Apparel Care Cleaners, a long-standing veteran-owned small business in Ohio, relied on equipment that used PERC. OAQDA supported the financing for new equipment that eliminates the use of the chemical, helping the business modernize its operations while continuing to support local jobs and serve its customers.

Pleasant Run Cleaners

Pleasant Run Cleaners also invested in new equipment to transition away from PERC. With OAQDA's financing support, the business is able to make this important operational investment while continuing to serve its community and support its workforce.

These projects demonstrate how access to capital can help small businesses make necessary investments while continuing to operate, employ Ohioans, and contribute to their communities.

Why Small Businesses May Feel the Impact Most

Small businesses may have less access to capital, fewer internal resources, and less ability to absorb a major equipment investment while continuing normal operations. They are also more sensitive to borrowing costs, which are higher in today's higher interest rate environment.

The businesses affected by the transition away from PERC are also spread throughout Ohio, including urban, rural, and priority investment areas.

How OAQDA Can Help

OAQDA serves as a financing resource for small businesses facing capital challenges associated with the PERC transition.

As the Small Business Ombudsman, OAQDA is working to:

  • Identify businesses that may be affected

  • Evaluate their transition needs to understand specific problems faced by small businesses

  • Help businesses navigate the financing process with more ease and faster pace

  • Address capital barriers to replacing equipment or adopting technologies that directly solve their problems

The Small Business Clean Air Program (SBCAP) is an important tool in this effort. It connects eligible small businesses with participating lenders and offers financial incentives to help reduce the upfront costs of eligible projects. These resources can help businesses make necessary investments while maintaining operations and jobs in their communities.

What the Transition Means for Your Businesses?

Businesses that use PERC will need to evaluate how federal requirements apply to their operations. The transition is occurring over several years, and there is no one-size-fits-all approach.

It may involve:

  • Replacing existing equipment

  • Retrofitting or modifying equipment or facility systems

  • Reconfiguring processes or operations

  • Adopting energy-saving technology

OAQDA is hearing the challenges from small businesses faced with the transition to eliminate PERC. The approach and cost will vary significantly, from a modest investment to much higher costs. Businesses may also need to consider employee training, facility changes, and how new equipment or processes fit into their existing operations.

OAQDA is aligning its financing solutions to support these investments to help businesses:

  • Modernize operations

  • Improve workplace conditions

  • Reduce exposure to PERC and, in some cases, operating costs

  • Remain competitive

  • Protect local jobs

Rather than prescribing a transition method, OAQDA is developing criteria to help focus and provide financing support where it can have the greatest impact for the small businesses most affected.

Where Could PERC Affect Ohio Businesses?

*The map reflects facilities identified in the Ohio EPA database. The actual number of Ohio businesses that use or may use PERC could be higher, as not all users may be captured in the database.

PERC has been used across a range of industries and applications. The specific requirements and transition needs vary by business.

Is Your Business Preparing to Transition Away from PERC?

Learn more about OAQDA's Small Business Clean Air Program and available financing options.

Ohio Air Quality Development Authority published this content on October 30, 2026, and is solely responsible for the information contained herein. Distributed via Public Technologies (PUBT), unedited and unaltered, on October 30, 2026 at 22:04 UTC. If you believe the information included in the content is inaccurate or outdated and requires editing or removal, please contact us at [email protected]