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Council presses staff on startup costs, architecture fees and targeted outreach for small-business grants
Summary
Council members asked staff whether grant changes could help businesses with startup and operational challenges, including architecture-plan costs, HVAC and eligibility for operating relief; staff said grants remain reimbursement-based and discretionary but changes should reduce application barriers and staff will explore continuity assistance options.
After Leonard Sledge's presentation on EDA grant program changes, council members pressed staff about specific small-business concerns including whether grants or program tweaks could address operational shortfalls and startup costs.
Council members asked whether eligibility would require taxes to be current, whether HVAC or fixtures might be eligible if they are essential to a business, and whether architectural-plan costs could be covered for startups. Sledge and the city manager said the grants are reimbursement-based and discretionary; some expenses may be eligible depending on program rules and the retail assistance grant could include hard construction costs. Staff said they would review the specifics and consider whether new or separate business-continuity programs should be explored.
Council members also urged proactive outreach to commercial corridors such as Buckroe Avenue and King Street to help eligible property owners and business owners learn about grants before they undertake improvements. Sledge said staff is conducting business visits and outreach and expects the proposed changes to make the programs more accessible.
"Just because you've applied doesn't mean that you will receive, because it is still all discretionary," Sledge told council, underscoring that eligibility does not guarantee award and that staff will continue evaluating applications against program priorities.
