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Commission backs USDA grant application to launch regional rural business accelerator
Summary
The commission approved a resolution supporting a USDA Rural Business Development Grant application (nearly $100,000) to establish a regional business accelerator for small businesses; staff said the application does not obligate city resources.
The Abilene City Commission approved a resolution supporting the submission of a USDA Rural Business Development Grant application to establish a regional rural business accelerator, staff said on July 13.
Tourism Director Julie Roller Weeks told the commission the city partnered with Dickinson County Economic Development and submitted the application under the city's login because turnover had left partner organizations without an active account. Roller Weeks said the application, for nearly $100,000, would help small businesses across several counties by providing assessments, consultant connections, and limited implementation funds to help businesses adopt software or point‑of‑sale systems.
Economic development staff (Natalie) said the program would serve businesses with 50 or fewer employees and gross revenue under $100 million and that the application included multiple letters of support from area businesses. Staff emphasized the resolution of support does not commit the city to funding local resources and asked the commission to approve the resolution so the application can proceed.
A motion to approve the resolution was made, seconded and adopted by roll-call vote.
