Business Improvement Grant Program (BIG)

COMPLETED PROJECTS

Building Address: 107 S. Commerce building
Owner: Chad Henderson
Date work completed: May 2023

Before Improvements

After Improvements

The building has been in owner Chad Henderson’s family since 1977. It was constructed in 1884, but Henderson has been renovating the downstairs portion of the building since 2010. Recently, he completed work on the transom windows through a $1,725 BIG grant in the Fall of 2022 and then the awnings with another BIG grant of $4,802 in May 2023. 
“I absolutely would not have considered the facade renovation without the BIG program. It was a needle mover for me and something I viewed as a real opportunity to improve the visual esthetic and overall efficiency of my building within Gainesville's historic downtown square,” said Henderson. “The facade is now a showcase for the history of this building and our square. Showcasing, investing and improving a downtown building may be the best marketing you can do for your own business, tenants and neighborhood.” 
Read more about this property project here.

Program Details

The Business Improvement Grant (BIG) Program provides financial assistance for building/business owners to make exterior improvements in the Central Area Commercial District (CA) of Gainesville, TX. The Gainesville Economic Development Corporation aims to invest $138,730 into Downtown Revitalization efforts in the 2023-2024 fiscal year.
Financial assistance will be reviewed, approved, and awarded at the sole discretion of the GEDC Board of Directors. Interested parties can view the brochure and application or contact the Gainesville Economic Development Corporation with questions at (940) 665-5241 or BIGProgram@cogtx.org. Financial assistance will be reviewed, approved, and awarded at the sole discretion of the GEDC Board of Directors.

See Zoning Map here

• A business owner may receive financial assistance from the BIG Program for one building per fiscal year (October 1 to September 30).
• Funding will be disbursed as a reimbursement after the applicant submits paid receipts for the completed project and a certificate of occupancy is issued for the building for commercial use.
• Grants are available for up to 50 percent reimbursement with a maximum reimbursement of $7,500. Projects totals must meet a minimum of $2,500 to qualify. 
• Grants may not be used for the refinance of existing loans, working capital, or for the purchase of inventory or interior projects.
• Grant applicants must secure their portion of the project cost before the start of the improvements and submit written documentation to the GEDC.
• All projects shall be completed by local contractors who meet all licensing requirements and shall comply with all applicable building codes of the City of Gainesville. Out-of-town contractors shall only be considered if the project applied for financial assistance cannot be completed by local contractors.
• Project owners and/or contractors shall acquire all necessary permits; grant proceeds may not be used for permitting costs.

Application Process

• Applicant completes application (online and paper formats available) and submits all materials to the GEDC. GEDC Staff review all submissions.
• If approved by the GEDC staff, the applicant presents to the GEDC Board of Directors. Presentations will be made at GEDC monthly board meetings.
• The application will be reviewed, and if eligible, granted within 30 days from the presentation.
• Approval of the application is at the sole discretion of the GEDC Board of Directors. Approval is not guaranteed.
• Should the application be rejected, the GEDC may suggest changes or improvements to it. If the applicant complies with the changes, the grant can be reconsidered at the next meeting.