The Business Assistance Grant program enhances the economic vitality of Athens by encouraging visually appealing physical improvements to new or existing businesses within the city limits. There are four types of grants available:
- Facade: Improvements to storefronts, including, but not limited to, items such as painting, reconstruction, and remodeling. Up to a 75% matching grant with a maximum of $20,000.
- Signs: New signs and renovation or removal of existing signs. Signs are reimbursable at 75% unless the sign is business-specific, in which case the match is 25%. The maximum grant amount is $20,000.
- Property: Exterior or interior improvements that will enable expansion of the business, as well as exterior items such as landscaping, lighting, sidewalk and driveway improvement, and parking lot improvements, are also allowed. Up to a 75% matching grant with a maximum of $20,000.
- Demolition: Demolition of signs or structures. Up to a 75% matching grant with a maximum of $20,000.
All proposed projects must go through an application process and be approved by the EDC Board of Directors.
To find out if your project may be eligible for one of these grants, email Donna Meredith or call the office at 903-675-4617.