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City approves small-business and marketing grants; staff to seek additional funding
Summary
The commission approved two resolutions awarding small-business support and marketing grants from a $125,000 budget. Commissioners urged staff to pursue CDBG and other funds to expand the program in future budget cycles.
The City Commission approved two grant resolutions on Jan. 7 to distribute small-business support and marketing grants drawn from a $125,000 budget.
Staff described this year’s program as revised to include a ranking and evaluation process. According to staff, 23 applicants received small-business support awards (seven at $10,000 and six at $5,000) and the marketing support grant awarded 10 applicants at $2,500 each; staff also said two applications were deemed ineligible because they were outside the program’s service area.
Commissioners praised staff for adding an evaluation rubric and suggested city staff explore additional funding sources — including Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds and possible midyear budget amendments — to expand the program to more small businesses. Planning Director Amanda Ragan said the city will reapply for CDBG funding in the next cycle and staff will evaluate options for expanding aid before the July budget process.
Vice Mayor Kelly and others asked staff to prioritize brick-and-mortar businesses that create local jobs and face rising rents; commissioners requested staff return with options for additional funding and potential assistance programs for rent relief or other targeted support.
The commission approved Resolution R25-006 (small-business support awards) and Resolution R25-007 (marketing support awards) by unanimous vote.
