EDC discusses business-assistance grants, $20,000 signage match and PermitPro usability

Committee members reviewed the status of the EDC business assistance grants and related earmarks. Chair Sandra Coker said the committee has approximately $32,000 remaining for FY26 and is working with the finance director and town manager on timing so the grant cycle aligns with the fiscal year. Members urged continued fiscal discipline and discussed a quarterly cap on awards to avoid depleting funds early in the fiscal year.

Laura described a $20,000 earmark specifically for business signage tied to the branding/wayfinding project; the earmark is intended to match business signage costs, with the business providing the match (example: a $5,000 sign could receive a $2,500 match). She said the signage pot is part of the wayfinding funds and that administrative details for application and distribution are still being developed.

Members raised concerns about the usability of the online application process: the link to the business assistance grant currently takes users to PermitPro (online permitting system) and requires users to register, which some said is non-intuitive for business owners. Committee members recommended adding an upfront checklist or guidance on the EDC webpage, listing previous awardees and amounts for transparency, and encouraging business owners to contact the economic development coordinator for a guided application start.

Laura said applications are collected and reviewed quarterly via an internal matrix and staff review; an internal review panel checks completeness before the committee sees applications. The committee asked staff to post a list of past awardees on the website and to improve the public-facing instructions for PermitPro.