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Hampton EDA approves changes to grant programs to speed small-business aid
Summary
The Economic Development Authority voted March 17 to approve staff-recommended updates to its grant programs — including removing credit checks for Façade Improvement Grants and authorizing the secretary/treasurer to approve grants up to $5,000 — with staff to pursue implementation steps and outreach.
The Economic Development Authority of the City of Hampton voted March 17, 2026, to approve a package of updates to its grant programs intended to simplify access for local businesses and accelerate awards.
Secretary/Treasurer Leonard L. Sledge presented the proposed revisions, which the board approved "as presented by staff and reviewed by legal counsel to incorporate direction received by the Board." The board specifically agreed that Façade Improvement Grants should not require a credit check and that the Secretary/Treasurer be authorized to approve grant awards of up to $5,000 without further board action.
The staff presentation included more detailed proposed changes to individual programs. For the Façade Improvement Grant the materials in the meeting packet showed a proposed increase in the program cap and adjustments to matching percentages for projects that adhere to Main Street or business-district-approved design standards. Staff materials also outlined clarifications to Retail Assistance, Manufacturing & Innovation, and Economic Development grants, and proposed a $1 million minimum capital investment threshold for certain larger Economic Development grant awards (details in the staff presentation attached to the minutes).
Board members discussed program outreach and implementation. Chair Carlton M. Campbell suggested producing a short video for each program; staff said the Economic Development Department expects to launch a new website by mid-November to host updated guidelines and applications. Implementation steps outlined in the presentation include refining program language, updating marketing materials, and seeking City Council support as appropriate.
The motion to approve the changes was made by Director Dwayne B. Blake and seconded by Vice Chair Charlene Clark. A roll-call vote recorded Ayes: Blake, Claiborne, Ishon, Peterson, Pompey, Clark and Campbell; Nays: None. The board directed staff to incorporate the board's direction into final program documents and proceed with the implementation steps described in the presentation.
Next steps: staff will finalize revised grant guidelines, update application materials, and proceed with outreach to business districts and prospective applicants, and will return to the board with any materials that require formal ratification or further legal review.
