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Council adopts revisions to Small Business Advancement Program to increase access and require job creation
Summary
Council approved updated guidelines for the Sydney Small Business Advancement Program that add a program‑specific application and scoring sheet, require one new full‑time equivalent job (or two part‑time positions equating to one FTE) within a year of award, and expand application cycles from two to four per fiscal year; the program cap remains $100,000.
The Sydney City Council unanimously approved revisions to the Small Business Advancement Program on March 20 to broaden access for small firms and better align awards with local workforce goals.
Interim City Manager Josh Anthony and the economic development advisory committee presented changes that require grant recipients to create at least one new full‑time equivalent position within the first year of receiving funds or two part‑time roles totaling at least 40 hours per week. The revisions also increase application cycles from two annually (spring and fall) to four per fiscal year (Oct–Nov, Jan–Feb, Apr–May, Jul–Aug) and add a program‑specific application and grant scoring sheet to clarify eligibility.
Program funding remains capped at $100,000 per fiscal year and staff noted funds are drawn from LB840 allocations and ongoing monthly sales‑tax receipts tied to the voter‑approved half‑cent setaside. Staff said the city’s LB840 balance provides the primary pool of available awards and that meeting certain job‑creation thresholds affects reimbursement eligibility from Nebraska Community Foundation programs.
Councilmembers voted to adopt the revised guidelines; the motion passed unanimously. Staff will publish the new application materials online and begin the revised review schedule aligned with the city’s fiscal year.
