The Athens City Council on Monday approved three Athens Economic Development Corporation (AEDC) grant programs that together total $305,000 for fiscal year 2026.

The Business Assistance, Community Development, and Workforce Development grant programs were approved by the AEDC board in August and required council approval.

The Business Assistance Grant Program sets aside $100,000 to help businesses make improvements such as new signs, fresh paint, parking lot repairs, or removing old structures. Businesses can apply for up to $20,000, with grants reimbursing 75 percent of project costs.

The Community Development Grant Program is the largest, with $175,000 available for upgrades to parks, athletic facilities, museums, or entertainment venues. Groups applying must have been active in Athens for at least two years. Projects will be judged on how much they boost tourism, add cultural or educational value, or bring matching money from other sources.

The Workforce Development Grant Program includes $30,000 to help employers cover training costs not fully funded by state or regional programs. It can reimburse up to 50 percent of training expenses. The program also offers scholarships of up to $1,000 per semester for childcare workers who maintain a 2.5 GPA and work at least 20 hours a week.

Applications for all three programs are managed by the AEDC and due by May 1, 2026. Applications will be reviewed as they are received, and funding will continue until each program’s budget is exhausted.