Local
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AEDC Direct Incentives
Athens EDC has a direct incentive program, which may be used to provide cash grants to qualifying projects and companies.
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Business Assistance Grant
The Business Assistance Grant Program was designed to provide up to an 75% matching grant, with a maximum of $20,000, to property/business owners located along the west, north, and south corridors of Athens who are looking to improve distressed properties. Improvements include demolition, facade improvements, landscaping, parking lot repairs, painting, etc.
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Chapter 380 Economic Development Agreements
Chapter 380 of the Local Government Code authorizes the City of Athens to offer incentives designed to promote economic development, such as commercial and retail projects. Specifically, it provides for offering loans and grants of city funds or services at little or no cost to promote state and local economic development and to stimulate business and commercial activity. Athens Economic Development Corporation (AEDC) will work with the City of Athens on these agreements.
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Community Development Grant
The Community Development Grant Program was designed to provide grants for eligible projects which promote sports, cultural, entertainment, and community projects that attract tourism and contribute to quality of life, business development, and growth of Athens sales tax revenue.
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Freeport Tax Exemption
Athens offers the Freeport Exemption for various types of goods if they have been detained in the state for 175 days or less for the purpose of assembly, storage, manufacturing, processing or fabricating.
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Property Tax Rebate
Qualifying businesses considering locating to Athens have the opportunity to apply for a property tax abatement on new value created as a result of the project.
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Small Business Administration Loans
Small Business Administration (SBA)/504 Loans Program is a long-term financing tool for economic development within a community.
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U.S. Foreign-Trade Zones
Athens' Foreign Trade Zone (FTZ) service area has expanded under the Alternative Site Framework (ASF) to include the city of Athens. The FTZ with ASF gives companies the opportunity to defer and possibly reduce duty paid on goods traded across national borders. Goods may be assembled, packaged, or warehoused at a Foreign Trade Zone.
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Workforce Development Grant
The Workforce Development Grant helps Athens employers fund training for new hires and current employees. The goal is to close funding gaps so local teams get the skills they need to grow and compete.