City of Stanton Economic Development (SEDC) Grant Guidelines
New Businesses:
Grants are made on a case-by-case basis. If seeking a large sum for anything, except infrastructure, it will be understood each $10,000 approved will be equal to 1 year under contract. (Example: if approved for $30,000, the contract with EDC will be for 3 years.) – The SEDC will not grant more than 25% of what the new business owner is investing. (Example: if business owner is investing $100,000, the EDC will do a max of $25,000)
Existing Businesses:
Existing businesses may not come to the SEDC more than 3 times in 5 years, unless you can show sales tax payments made to the state exceed the amount of grants received. If needing new equipment, SEDC will match your investment up to $5,000. Grants may not exceed $10,000 unless deemed necessary by Stanton Economic Development Board (SEDB).
Existing Business seeking large sums for infrastructure:
Bring sales tax documentation of payments made to the state to show impact your business has on Stanton’s economy. This will help the board determine if your request is appropriate.
Facade Improvement:
Exterior front façade enhancements. Improvements may be considered if located on a corner or paralleling an internal public space such as a park, parking lot, pedestrian way, or visible from the public right-of-way. The grant amount may be up to 50% of the cost of such improvement, up to a maximum of $10,000. Improvements to store façade including, but not limited to:
- Exterior painting that incorporates a major visual change (maintenance painting does not apply);
- Significant masonry cleaning and/or restoration;
- Addition of awnings (business logo & letters on awnings are acceptable);
- Enhanced exterior building lighting that creates a noticeably enhanced appearance (replacement or current lighting that is simply repair does not enhance the appearance of the building, such as replacement of inoperable fixtures and is not included);
- Store front entry systems and individual windows and door replacement or modification (if part of an overall design restoration; general building maintenance repairs are not included);
- New or restored façade elements, such as cornices, soffits, canopies, and other detailed elements.
*Grants may not be used for refinancing existing loans, working capital, inventory, permits, inspections, security fencing or gates, home occupations, roof repair or replacement, interior remodeling, new construction, routine maintenance of landscaping and signage (except for letters/logos on new awnings). Grants will not cover any sales tax or shipping cost.
The Grant Guidelines are strictly that. If an applicant feels that their request does not fall within the guidelines above, they are still encouraged to apply. These guidelines are in place to set expectations and as a point of reference.