Downtown Taylor businesses are receiving a financial boost in the near future to the tune of more than half-a-million dollars.
Growth spurred by Samsung Austin Semiconductor and related high-tech industries locating to Taylor has officials wanting to spruce up downtown through four new grant opportunities as well as $350,000 in infrastructure improvements.
The financial incentives are designed to support current business owners, attract new ones and help preserve local history, officials said.
“These grants illustrate how the city's Downtown Department supports downtown businesses, encourages growth and revitalization in the Downtown District, and works to preserve downtown's historical assets,” said Niecy Baum, downtown director, in a prepared release.
Noting the motto that “Taylor is the Front Porch of Texas,” Baum added, “These grants are designed to support our business owners' efforts to make Taylor even more inviting to locals and visitors.”
According to a release, the grants are divided into four categories – front porch package, stay-a-while, multi-business event and economic development recruitment:
• The $75,000 Front Porch Package “helps create a more welcoming and vibrant Downtown Taylor” and provides commercial certificate of occupancy holders with a storefront package that includes two rocking chairs, an A-frame sign (or reimbursement) and an open flag and floral reimbursement.
• The $20,000 Stay-A-While Grant is a matching reimbursement of up to $2,000 that helps eligible commercial sites create “comfortable, inviting outdoor spaces.” Funding is earmarked for patio furniture and other nonpermanent outdoor comfort features “not attached to the building.”
• The $5,000 Multi-Business Event Grant provides a $100 reimbursement per qualifying sites for expenses related to “business-coordinated public events in the Downtown District.” The program requires participation from three or more qualifying businesses, with each contributing to the event beyond marketing alone.
• The $100,000 Economic Development Recruitment Grant is a matching reimbursement disbursement of up to $50,000 designed to attract new retail, dining and entertainment businesses to the Downtown District. Eligible businesses can receive funding for permanent interior improvements, including heating, air conditioning and ventilation; fire suppression; plumbing; electrical work; design and engineering fees; permit costs; and other qualifying buildout expenses.
In addition, the city is investing $350,000 into multiple downtown improvements, including new trash cans and bike racks, upgraded electrical service in Heritage Square Park, street resurfacing on select roadways through the Level-Up program and restoration and signage highlighting the city's historic wood brick road.
