What: Briefing by Emily Archer (Economic Development Director) and Jerry Mathis (HIVE manager) on small business grants and support.
Where it stands: Informational. The EDIP Part F small business grant offers up to $10,000 per business from a $150,000 budget; applications open October 1 for 30 days.
Next: Recommended awardees go to the Development Authority in December; Facade Improvement Grant applications open in January 2027.
Details
The first round of the small business grant awarded 17 grants totalling $144,811.
The Facade Improvement Grant (FIG) is a 50% match. Since the program began, 85 awards have totalled $598,734; in 2026, 14 awards totalled $112,255. The staff contact is Eric Severn.
An update to the Economic Development Strategic Plan is planned.