York County’s economic development office created two new grant programs this year geared toward local business owners.
The grants were approved in August and went into effect this past month.
“A lot of our other programs in the past have been cookie cutter programs,” said Melissa Davidson, assistant director for the office of economic development, adding it was something specific like helping with a website. “We wanted to be able to help everyone.”
The Business Growth Grant program is open to home-based and commercial businesses.
The grant requires a match and those who qualify can receive up to $2,500 for just about anything, Davidson said.
Davidson said it could be for someone with a home-based woodworking business in need of a new saw, a new computer with the latest software for a graphic designer or a new fleet vehicle for a rental car service.
“They just have to prove that it [the grant] will help them grow,” she said. “It’s a lifetime max, they don’t have to use it all at once.”
The second program known as the Commercial Corridor Property Grant is strictly for commercial businesses.
Davidson said that grant program was similar to one implemented 13-14 years ago but instead of just being for businesses along Route 17, it is open to the entire county with a couple conditions.
Recipients of the grant can use the money, up to $10,000, for exterior improvements and renovations to their building such as a new sign or awning.
Businesses much match the funds and their business must be visible from the main roads, Davidson said.
Both programs are open-ended and they do not expire unless the money runs out.
Applicants must fill out a form as well as a narrative statement.
In addition, the matching funds have a “lifetime max” which means a business owner could use $500 for one project and apply for more grant money for others until the maximum cap is reached.
There is no deadline for the grant programs and applications will be reviewed on a monthly basis.
As of Monday, no one has applied –– yet.
Davidson said it was approved as a pilot program and each program is funded by the economic development office’s capital budget.
The Business Growth Grant program has a cap of $50,000 and the Commercial Corridor Property Program grants has a budget of $100,000, which, depending on the projects, could be used by at least 10 business owners.
“We’re just excited to have more ways to help businesses,” Davidson said. “I think it’s a good thing.”
For more information about the Business Growth Grant Program or the Commercial Corridor Property Program, visit the York County Economic Development website.
