EDC offers greater grants

Jacksboro business owners looking to make some serious renovations can now get more help from the Jacksboro EDC.

The Jacksboro Economic Development Corporation now offers a property enhancement program to enhance existing businesses.

“While we’re trying to encourage new businesses to come in like manufacturing or retail which also helps the town, we wanted to help our existing businesses also,” said EDC Executive Director Lynda Pack.

The property enhancement program offers matching grants of up to $15,000 for properties and existing businesses that meet eligibility requirements.

Prior to the new program, the EDC offered facade and signage matching grants up to $1,500.

“We wanted to do more for our existing businesses and give them the opportunity to do things for their locations,” Pack said.

Some eligible enhancements include facades, interior renovations, landscaping, outside lighting, parking and driveways, utilities and code compliance.

Pack said the application process is lengthier than the previous grant the EDC offered.

“The requirements for that kind of money, it’s not going to be quick and easy,” she said. “But we’ll walk everybody through it.”

Also, to receive funds does not require a business owner to own the property.

“Before you had to be the owner. Now all you need is a copy of your lease and a note or letter from the owner, you landlord, that he approves of you doing this,” Pack said.

Goals of the program include improving the viability, occupancy and value of commercial properties in Jacksboro. The EDC also seeks to help businesses attract more customers.

“We feel just as strongly about retention and expansion of our current businesses as we do about new business,” Pack said.