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Economic development director highlights grants, revolving loan fund and downtown facade program
Summary
City economic development staff described services for new and expanding businesses, a downtown façade program and a business‑improvement grant up to $10,000, and said the city manages a revolving loan fund with available capital.
Carlos Navarete, introduced by city staff as economic development director, outlined programs the department offers to help startups and growing businesses. He described services such as site selection assistance, permitting guidance and connections to the correct city departments, and said the department acts as a conduit to other resources and contacts.
Navarete highlighted incentive programs. He said downtown businesses can access a facade program and that a business improvement grant provides reimbursements of up to $10,000 for eligible exterior or signage improvements. He also described a city‑managed revolving loan fund (minimum loans start at $10,000) and noted a recent example where an applicant sought $300,000; he said approximately $300,000 remained in the city’s loan pool managed with USDA funds. “We have the business improvement grant and up to $10,000, it's free money,” Navarete said.
Navarrete encouraged business owners to pursue local incentives early, noting limited funds are allocated on a first‑come, first‑serve basis. He recommended that applicants coordinate with the economic development office for applications and with partner agencies where larger sales‑ or property‑tax incentives may apply for bigger investments.
