The Tomball EDC is offering a Business Improvement Grant, which is designed to “promote the development and expansion of new and existing business enterprises within the city.” According to EDC Director Betty Reinbeck, who presented the program to the Tomball Rotary Club last week, the EDC will be offering 50 percent matching grants to Tomball business looking to make improvements to their building’s façade, signs or general property.

A business may apply for one or all three of the grants within any fiscal year. Reinbeck said the EDC has budgeted $100,000 for the current fiscal year (Oct. 1 to Sept. 1) and will provide grants in two phases, with the first deadline set for April 1, 2010 and the second on Sept. 1, 2010.

Improvements to store facades include painting, reconstruction and/or remodeling. Sign improvements include new signs or removal or renovation of existing signs. Property improvements include, but are not limited to, landscaping, parking lot resurfacing, striping, driveway improvement, lighting, decorative fencing, pedestrian-oriented streetscape amenities, new curb or sidewall and related amenities.

Grant amounts for each of the three types of improvements will be equal to 50 percent of the cost of the improvements up to $10,000.

Any new business planning to locate within the city or any business currently located within the city limits is eligible for the program.

Reinbeck explained that all of the grants are reimbursable grants, which means businesses pay the entire cost of the improvements up front and once the improvements are completed, they are reimbursed 50 percent of the total cost by the EDC.

The most a business can receive through the grant program in any one fiscal year is $30,000.

Prior to approval, all applications will be reviewed by the Business Retention and Expansion Committee.

According to the grant program guidelines published on the EDC Web site, all proposed projects “must comply with applicable zoning regulations, city-approved planning studies, comprehensive plan designations, City Ordinances, Building Codes and Americans with Disabilities Act Guidelines.”

Additional guidelines, a Fact Sheet and application are available online at www.tomballtxedc.org.

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