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Goose Creek raises cap on Kickstart the Creek loan program amid debate
Summary
Council voted to allow loans up to $150,000 from the city's Kickstart the Creek revolving fund, adding home‑based businesses by staff review; opponents warned the $500,000 fund could be strained and urged greater transparency on the Climb Fund MOU.
The Goose Creek City Council on Aug. 13 approved changes to the Kickstart the Creek small‑business loan program that raise the per‑loan cap to $150,000 and broaden eligibility to include home‑based businesses subject to staff review.
Councilmember Mrs. Ziegler described the change as designed to increase program takeup; the fund was seeded with $500,000 of American Rescue Plan money and was previously issuing smaller loans. A council member opposing the increase said, "I am not in favor of passing this at $150,000 limit," citing the limited size of the revolving fund and concerns about transparency for larger loans. Council members also discussed whether the existing memorandum of understanding with the Climb Fund should be converted into a formal contract.
After discussion, the council voted to approve the modifications; the meeting record reflects a roll/voice vote discussed in the minutes with a 5–2 split noted in the record. Council members said staff will continue to monitor ARP deadlines and the program's reallocation options if funds are underused by 2026.
