MARBLE FALLS BUSINESS IMPROVEMENT GRANT PROGRAM

“We’re from the government, and we’re here to help.”

As we launch our new Business Improvement Grant (BIG) Program at the Marble Falls EDC, we should be mindful of the above declaration and perhaps amend the statement to better reflect our goals—and to prevent business owners from running away at the sight of an EDC representative.

So, with that in mind, let’s try this:

“We’re from the EDC, a quasi-governmental organization funded by a half-cent sales tax and charged with the duty of developing our community’s economy.  We’d like to introduce you to a new program that will offer financial incentives to business owners who make improvements to their properties.”

While our revised introduction doesn’t quite roll off the tongue like the original statement, we do think it conveys an educational and beneficial message.

HERE’S HOW THE BIG PROGRAM HELPS BUSINESS OWNERS

• Any business in the city limits of Marble Falls is eligible for a 20% matching grant from the EDC for improvements made on their property.

• The minimum expenditure for improvements is $5,000, which could result in a $1,000 grant from the EDC.  The maximum grant amount is $10,000, which would require an expenditure of at least $50,000 toward improvements to qualify.
• A subcommittee of EDC board members will review applications as they are submitted and determine prequalification status.
• Grants are made on a reimbursement basis, so qualified business owners are required to show proof of payment for all improvements before receiving their rebate from the EDC.

WHY THE BIG PROGRAM AND WHY NOW?

The BIG Program was devised by the EDC in response to several open-ended requests for assistance from business owners.  Without a structure in place to review requests, and without established eligibility criteria, the EDC board had difficulty comparing apples to apples, so to speak, and responses were neither expeditious nor replicable.  Now, the EDC has a way to invest in businesses that are investing in themselves.  The end result will be more attractive and functional businesses that draw more customers, generate more sales and property taxes, and employ more people.

HOW BUSINESS OWNERS CAN GET STARTED

If you have any questions or comments about the program or anything else, please feel free to contact me (830/798-7079 or cfletcher@marble.risa-centos.edsuite.com)—we would love to help you.