For Larry Jiles, getting help with a new roof, gutters, and a patio for his catering business was important.
“Without the city’s help it would have been very hard for us and it would have been a long time coming,” said Jiles. “We would not have benefited us so fast.”
Officials hope more businesses will apply for the help to re-invest in the business by updating things like facades, signing and lighting.
“We are here to listen and here to talk with you about how we can partner with you to get some of those projects done. Get them over the hump,” said City Administrator Mark Statz. “This is a nudge from the city. It’s not a handout, it’s a partnership.”
Grant money is available on a one to one match basis. The maximum grant would be $5,000 on a $10,000 project. Low interest loans top out at $20,000. City officials hope improvements at one business will encourage others to do likewise.
“You know I just encourage other businesses to look into it, it was a fairly easy process,” says Jiles. “The city worked great with helping me get it done.”
Will business owners make that kind of investment during a pandemic? Statz says it might make sense for some businesses.
“It might be a great time, oddly as this might sound, to invest and say, you know what I made it through this. If I can make it through this I can make it through anything. Let’s move forward and let’s make our business the best it can be,” said Statz.
The technical change involves moving the program to City Council control from the Economic Development Authority. Statz says there should be no change for businesses.
