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Business Resources for COVID-19
From Soup to Nuts: Small Business Strategies in a Crisis Webinar: Join the Texas Downtown Association for this webinar on Monday, September 14 at 2 pm. 2020 has been an interesting year for small businesses - there has been a lot of emotional and financial strain, but many have found ways to make it work and keep going in the face of uncertainty. The webinar panelists are all business owners in Longview and found creative ways to work within the "new normal" to make their business work with new technologies and revenue streams along with good old-fashioned gumption. The panelists will share their experiences and provide you with some insight that you can use in your business. All the panelists operate within the food industry, so they were considered essential and able to remain open during the times of shelter in place. They are eager to share their stories and experiences with you. The webinar cost is $20 but enter discount code BIZPROMO to save $10. Click here to register. Beware of Malicious COVID-19 Phishing: In the wake of emergency assistance available to help small businesses in response to the Coronavirus pandemic (COVID-19), the SBA is urging disaster loan applicants seeking federal aid to be alert to phishing campaigns and scams. These malicious actors are impersonating the SBA and its Office of Disaster Assistance to collect personally identifiable information (PII) for fraudulent purposes. Learn more NATIONAL RESOURCES CENTER FOR DISEASE CONTROL AND PREVENTION Businesses Community ORGANIZATIONS COMMUNITY EVENTS SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION GUIDELINES FOR SMALL BUSINESSFEDERAL GOVERNMENT ASSISTANCE
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New Grant Programs for La Grange Businesses
La Grange EDC Introduces Two New Grant Programs
The City of La Grange’s Office of Community Development has introduced two new business grant programs to encourage commercial development in La Grange.
The Second Floor Development Grant Program is funded by the La Grange Economic Development Corporation (EDC) and is designed to encourage the conversion of upper floors of existing commercial structures in the Historic District to residential units. Applicants who qualify may receive a grant with a reimbursement of up to $7,500 per unit developed for up to four units with a maximum reimbursement of $30,000 over the life of the project. To qualify for grant funds, the applicant must match the grant amount by an equal or greater investment of private funds for the conversion.
The Second Floor Development Grant Program supports the implementation of the adopted 2018-2038 Comprehensive Plan for the City of La Grange. The purpose of the program is to enhance the character and vitality of the Historic District by promoting infill and adaptive reuse of properties. Encouraging private investment in the improvement of commercial properties will help to create a mixed use environment which promotes a business, consumer, family, and resident friendly atmosphere, improving quality of life for both residents and visitors.
The GAP Redevelopment Grant Program is also funded by the La Grange EDC and is designed to encourage businesses to fill a gap in products or services available within the City of La Grange. The goal is that the GAP grant recipient will directly benefit the La Grange community by strengthening the local trade area and reduce the need for consumers to find products and services outside of the community. Applicants who qualify may receive a reimbursement grant of between $5,000-$30,000. No business owner may receive more than $30,000 from this program over the life of the project. To qualify for grant funds, the applicant must match the grant amount by an equal or greater investment of private funds.
The GAP Redevelopment Grant Program supports the implementation of the adopted 2018-2038 Comprehensive Plan for the City of La Grange and is designed to incentivize the opening of businesses within the City limits of La Grange. This will help to create opportunities for different types of businesses in the City of La Grange which fill gaps in available products, services, entertainment, and other amenities, thus improving quality of life for both residents and visitors.
For more information about these grant programs, email Kim Newton at knewton@cityoflg.com or call 979-968-3017.
La Grange EDC Sponsors Dual Credit Scholarship Program
La Grange EDC Sponsors Dual Credit Scholarship Program
The La Grange Economic Development Corporation (EDC) is proud to announce that nine students from La Grange High School have received scholarships to support their pursuit of dual credit courses for the upcoming Fall semester at Blinn College. The scholarships are in the amount of $200 each and funded by the La Grange EDC. In working with Blinn College to develop strategies that will enhance youth workforce development discussions included ways to help eliminate financial barriers to pursuing educational opportunities within the community. “These scholarships will help support youth workforce development and level the playing field for the pursuit of higher education,” said Stacey Norris, director of community development for the City of La Grange.
Moving forward, the La Grange EDC has set aside funding to support another round of scholarships for the Spring semester in hopes of reaching students pursuing additional courses as well as technical training opportunities offered by both Blinn College and La Grange ISD. Supporting youth workforce development through partnerships with La Grange ISD and Blinn College, allows for the growth of future opportunities for students to return to their home communities and be successful once they have completed their higher education or technical training elsewhere.
Scholarship recipients are pictured left to right – Jade Ackerman, Abigail Eindorf, Joshua Amick, Melissa Muras, MaKenzie Givan, Molly Bennett, Trey Cunningham, Kalyn Hernandez, David Krupala