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EDC updates: retail outreach, new events and a $50,000 small‑business grant in development
Summary
City economic development staff reported progress on retail recruitment, announced a new October festival and December tree lighting, and said staff are drafting a small‑business grant policy backed by $50,000 in the FY‑26 budget. The board asked staff to continue building business contact lists and expand project reporting.
Economic development staff updated the Fulshear Development Corporation B board on retail recruitment work, upcoming events and a proposed small‑business grant program during the June 16 meeting.
Why this matters: Staff are actively recruiting retailers, documenting local businesses and developing programs intended to keep businesses and sales tax dollars in Fulshear. The board’s direction on grant policy and outreach will shape which small businesses may receive assistance from the EDC’s allocated funds.
What staff reported: Anelle and other EDC staff said they are working with a retail recruitment consultant and expect additional retailer interest as consultant reports finalize. Staff are completing an updated business database (contact information, opening dates and business type) using planning department records and door‑to‑door outreach; they will provide a sector breakdown to the board when complete.
Events and promotions: Staff announced the first “Fulshear Follies” community event scheduled for October 11 (4–8 p.m.) at City Hall with live music, vendors and food trucks, and reminded the board of a December 6 tree‑lighting event. The staff’s Local Voices campaign, which highlights small business stories, was described as a high‑engagement marketing tool.
Small‑business grant: Staff and a volunteer working group (board members Jennifer Hageman and Deborah Drescher participated) reported progress drafting a small‑business grant policy and application. Staff said $50,000 is budgeted for that program in FY‑26 but that the policy and legal review must be completed before any grants are awarded. Staff intend to return a draft policy and application to the board for review and legal vetting.
Other items: Staff reminded the board of the Fulshear Central groundbreaking set for July 25 at 4 p.m., noted the TML economic development conference in November (Bastrop) and a TEDC sales‑tax workshop in Houston (online option available), and asked directors interested in training to notify staff for registration. Board members requested improved monthly CIP and project milestone reporting (traffic‑light indicators; schedule vs. actual) for any projects funded by the board.
Next steps: Staff will finish the business inventory and sector breakdown, circulate the draft small‑business grant policy for board comment and legal review, and proceed with event planning and retailer outreach. Photography contest winners will be announced to council on July 15.
